Coffs & Clarence, February-March 2017

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2 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

IN THIS EDITION Feature: David & Kristin Williamson..................page 3 Wellbeing ........................................................ pages 10-11 Seniors Week feature ................................... pages 13-32 Travel ............................................................... page 35-38 Puzzles.....................................................................page 41

Contact us Editor Gail Forrer gail.forrer@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Media Sales Consultant Sue Germany sue.germany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au Phone: (02) 6650 2925. Suite 2, Ground Floor, 144-148 West High Street, Coffs Harbour 2450.

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The Seniors Newspaper is published monthly and distributed free in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland.

The Seniors newspaper stable includes Toowoomba, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW, Coffs and Clarence and Central Coast publications.

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Printed by News Regional Media, Yandina.

Opinions expressed by contributors to Seniors Newspapers are not necessarily those of the editor or the owner/publisher and publication of advertisements implies no endorsement by the owner/publisher.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

The celebration of our wonderful self

HELLO readers and welcome to a jam-packed edition of useful, practical and entertaining articles.

Because of the nature of my job, not a day passes when I do not read a varied number of accounts that have contributed to someone’s 100th birthday. When they’re asked to share their secret of longevity, they often talk about eating, drinking or exercise habits.

If you have an appetite for daily news, then you might have picked up on some too; for instance one centenarian shared her secret of throwing down a daily dose of Scotch, another bacon, another chocolate.

I won’t keep going because there is a commonality amongst these factors – that is, they’re just the things health experts tell us to give up, or at least devour in moderation.

The only explanation I can think of is that these long-living humans consider daily

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

consumption low on the moderate intake scale.

However, in the maintenance of healthy ageing there is another factor that reaps great rewards and that is happy relationships - with family, friends, community.

This month our front page features David and Kristin Williamson.

This year they celebrate 45 years of marriage, an ever-extending line-up of grandchildren and artistic pursuits.

I have featured David and Kristin for two reasons, one because they are a couple of very happy people who consistently volunteer much of their time and expertise to Australia’s creative community and their own close-knit family.

Secondly, because

Valentine’s Day was celebrated this month, that makes February the month of love. Although our readership is united under the banner of Seniors, I realise the uniqueness of each reader and in this issue as we always do, I have endeavoured to reflect our diverse audience with a varied range of relationship stories.

Certainly, David and Kristin exude the happiness factor, but they are far from alone. In this edition we feature the volunteers who work in museums and other worthy foundations.

In common with all these people is their desire to reach out beyond their home and support others, in the process they reap the benefits of new friendships, knowledge and the feeling of contributing to the wider community.

But, at times, for some of us, no matter what the motivation, it can be a little difficult to reach out

and explore what’s available. This month we feature the annual Seniors Festival (week), where community groups and national initiatives such as Telstra’s Tech Savvy lessons, are highlighted in such way you really have the opportunity to try new experiences. The huge amount of events showcased between March 3–12 is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons.

In this edition, we endeavoured to ensure we have listed as many events as possible in the Seniors Festival Week calendar. It’s a simple guide to what’s on in your area, so I trust it can as act as an easy-to-read and efficient calendar as you navigate your way through this week.

Positve ageing could be called a ‘buzz phrase” at the moment. But it really does underpin the foundation of an active and healthy older age.

Stay happy, stay kind and always be curious.

Kayaking Clarence rivers from new trail map kit The maps show where and how to access the rivers, where to stay along the way and provides safety information about the rapids and levels of experience needed to complete particular sections.

Experienced senior canoe and kayak paddler Roger Fryer said one of the difficulties of getting to many sections of the Clarence River by road was the scarcity of available entry points,

because so much of the riverbank was private land.

He said paddlers had an easier time launching craft in the upper reaches where there were national parks.

These upper stretches also include some challenging gorges and rapids which delight experienced paddlers.

Lower down there are multiple entry points to the river in and around Grafton city.

Roger said a pleasant

excursion was to take your water craft to Buccarumbi, 38km from Grafton, where open paddocks offered access and camping near the Mann Rive.

“A nice two-day canoe trip is Buccarumbi to Jackadgery, which is set up for tourists with a caravan park,” Roger said.

The map kit is a partnership between Department of Industry (Lands) and Clarence Valley Council.

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WATER is the defining feature of the Clarence Valley and a newly released map kit will help many more people explore the Clarence, Mann and Nymboida rivers from the water.

The new Clarence canoe and kayak trail map kit includes eight sections. It begins at the junction of the Nymboida and Little Nymboida rivers and finishes 195km later at Copmanhurst on the Clarence River.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 3

When David sang My Funny Valentine ❝

Forty-five years of marriage and a new play coming right up Jim Fagan

DAVID Williamson is 75 this month. He’s at the age when he could be putting his feet up at his ocean front home at Sunshine Beach, Queensland, and enjoying the fruits of a career spanning nearly 50 years as Australia’s lauded, and leading, international playwright.

He certainly has enough grandchildren to play with.

He and his author/ journalist wife Kristin have just come home from California where they welcomed their 12th into the world.

But no, David is busier than he has ever been.

He is currently adapting Rupert, his 2013 play about Rupert Murdoch, for US cable television. It is a six part miniseries and he has finished part one. He also has a Hollywood movie in development but he wants to keep it under wraps for now.

His new play Odd Man Out opened in Sydney last month and Noosa Long Weekend festival director, Ian Mackellar, is bringing it to Noosa (Queensland) in March as a publicity and fundraising precursor to the festival.

“I’ve had a very lucky life,” he told Seniors when we called to wish him a happy 75th which is on February 24.

“I’m one of those rare playwrights who gets just about every play he writes produced. I get such a kick out of constructing something, seeing it come

to life with good actors and then the big buzz of watching the audience react.”

And even after household name productions like Don’s Party, The Club, The Removalists, Travelling North and 25 screenplays for hugely successful movies like Phar Lap and Gallipoli and Emerald City the need for the “buzz” is clearly still there.

David went to high school in Bairnsdale Victoria and attributes his career path to a teacher, Alan McLeod.

“He brought Shakespeare to life for me. The basic human emotions of love, hate, revenge, ambition, all of these things are timeless,” he said.

“He steered me to being a playwright by making drama seem interesting, relevant and a real exploration of human nature which it is.

“I started by writing some university material in the 60s and, oh my goodness, there you go, I’m still going.”

Twelve years ago he developed a heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

“I had them both and they seemed to alternate.

It was stress related. I was working too hard and I went from being a four cylinder car to a three cylinder car,” he said.

“I went on effective medication and I was able to live with it. The fibrillation still reappears

Kristin would feel very bereft if I didn’t find some good red roses on Valentine’s Day.

ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL: David and Kristin Williamson in Los Angeles in December celebrating the birth of their 12th grandchild with family and friends, and above, David and Kristin with grandchildren in Sydney last Christmas.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

from time to time but I have a new lease of life now.

The work hasn’t ceased and, fortunately,

audiences are still coming in numbers.”

David described how he and Kristin met during rehearsals for The

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Removalist at La Mama Theatre in Melbourne.

“I was looking for a replacement lead actor and suddenly this

gorgeous woman turned up. The problem was we were both married to other people at the time.

“We’ve been together 45 years and I’ve just dropped her off in Hastings St to have lunch and go shopping with two of the grandkids.

Something must have been right about it.”

David believes romance is “important in your life.

“Kristin would feel very bereft if I didn’t find some good red roses on Valentine’s Day. It’s been a bit of a scramble sometimes but I’ve always managed it.

It’s part of our calendar and I try and take her out for a nice dinner.”

The interview ended just as Kristin arrived home. I mentioned Valentine’s Day and she recalled how she and David were in a Chinese restaurant in Umina on the NSW coast.

“There was an electric organ and David started playing and singing My Funny Valentine.

“Our teenage children were mortified but the restaurant people applauded.

Our friend, actor John Bell, who was with us, was astonished.

“He hadn’t seen the exhibitionist side of the quiet playwright before that night.”

4 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Grassroots activism Belinda Scott

ONE country cinema’s rescue may serve as a blueprint for communities struggling to save other local theatres and cinemas from closure.

At least that is the hope of the author of Saving Sawtell Cinema.

The book retraces in words and pictures the journey involved in forming a community group to buy, renovate and reopen Sawtell’s historic cinema.

Beginning life as a dance hall, the cinema was rebuilt after the roof blew off in the 1950s, but it was damaged in the 2009 flood and closed down in 2012.

The cinema reopened in December 2015 under the management of Majestic Cinemas.

Saving Sawtell Cinema was written by Jill Nash, who chaired both the investor group whose members funded the purchase of the building and the steering committee which oversaw the project.

She became involved when she bumped into an old friend, Stephanie Ney,

A concerted effort by supportive community members ensure a long life for this cinema the project initiator, in the Sawtell Post Office.

Jill had fond memories stretching back 20 years of seeing films at the cinema and over coffee, Jill and her ‘mover and shaker’ friend discussed the loss of the cinema and how it could be saved.

Jill said she put her hand up to help with the rescue effort because of her background on the management staff of the Australian Film and Television School in Sydney as well as running her own consultancy business, teaching small arts organisations about management and governance,.

“I felt I was quite well positioned to help keep the ship on course,” she said.

“Looking back on it now, it is easy to forget how stressful it was at times.

“When I put my hand up, little did I realise that I would be overseeing a $2.5 million venture.

“Throughout my working

Views from My Office

life I had never managed such a large and diverse undertaking.

❝

When I put my hand up, little did I realise that I would be overseeing a $2.5 million venture.

“And now I was doing it voluntarily, in my mid-70s.

“It was such a privilege “It will remain one of the highlights of my life and it’s not over.

“Every time I step through the heavy glass doors with their shiny brass panels I feel a sense of joy, of pride and of satisfaction.

“Above all I relish the smiles on the faces of patrons, thrilled to be in their beloved cinema once more.”

Jill kept a journal throughout the project and last year was encouraged to publish it by her journal writing tutor Margaret Penhall-Jones, who subsequently edited the book.

Majestic Cinemas paid the cost of printing the book locally at Mid Coast Printing in Coffs Harbour.

The rescue project benefited from the expertise of hundreds of talented and supportive locals.

Jill said the project documented in the book provided a really interesting model for other small regional cinemas.

“Very few of these

places are operating as full time cinemas,” she said.

Saving Sawtell Cinema costs $15 and is available from Majestic Cinemas in Sawtell.;

See the cinema’s current film program at www.majesticcinemas. com.au or phone 5621 8101.

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 5

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Japanese company SoftBank Robotics has developed the pint-sized robot to provide day-today companionship and support.

Pepper can already

recognise joy, sadness, anger and surprise. Using its cameras located in its head, Pepper can interpret a smile, frown, tone of voice as well as verbal and some body language.

For the news junkies, Pepper comes connected to the internet so it can keep you up to date with news, weather and more.

Further enhancements

INNOVATIVE CARE: The robot Pepper is the newest innovation in aged care technology.

PHOTO: SOFTBANK ROBOTICS

are on the way by researchers at the UK’s University of Bedfordshire and Middlesex University.

Capabilities of the robot will include: ■ communicating through speech and gestures.

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■ assisting an individual in performing

“The project is truly ground-breaking,” Dr Papadopoulos said.

“Building culturally aware Pepper robots that can autonomously re-configure their interactions to match the culture, customs and etiquette of the person they’re caring, means that they are more likely to be accepted by elderly clients.”

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seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Surprising life stories Tales of detectives, farmers ballerinas will delight readers

By Belinda Scott

LUCAS and Jack is a delightful picture book about discovering the exciting stories hidden behind wrinkles, walking frames and wheelchairs.

Author Ellie Royce, who has worked at Sawtell’s Marian Grove retirement village and Mater Christi nursing home for almost 10 years, was inspired to write her first picture book by the real life stories of residents she has met.

Residents like veteran, amputee and retired detective Geoff Hollis, who stalked murderers, braved gunfire and tracked criminals across states in his work with the Homicide Squad; the Hold-up Squad and the Special Weapons Squad.

Adele Hollis said sometimes her husband was away from home so long their children asked to watch the news on TV just so they could see their dad.

Forced into retirement and aged care by a stroke,

Geoff is still being consulted by detectives working on unsolved murders.

Geoff became the model for Leo the detective in Lucas and Jack and his seven year old grandson has now read the book.

Other residents with working lives as diverse as ballet dancing and farming also wound up ‘in’ the book, which delighted them and their families when it was published.

It has also created a meaningful memento for the descendants of those who have since died.

That aspect of the book was a surprise for author Ellie, who embarked on the project because she saw youngsters sitting on brick walls, waiting for their parents to finish visiting their elders.

She wanted to write a book which gave these children an insight into the exciting and brilliant lives their grandparents had led and which would inspire them to find out more.

REVEALING READ: Arlene and Geoff Hollis, aka Detective Leo, with author Ellie Royce (centre).

“It’s almost a true story,” Ellie said.

Even though she is an experienced writer, she was reluctant to embark on a picture book, because of the long and

painful process involved in distilling a complex story into 400 words and then finding the right illustrator, which she said was: “ a bit like a blind date.”

Fortunately artist

Andrew McLean proved the ideal picture partner and the book has been short listed for a number of awards.

Lucas and Jack, which is now available both

PHOTO: BELINDA SCOTT

paperback and hard cover, is a great Seniors Week gift idea for grandparents to share with their grandchildren.

The author’s website is www.ellieroyceauthor.com.

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

❝

A talk as you walk

See www. coffs ambassadors. com.au or phone 6648 4990.

All tours are free but must be booked.

History buff makes great walking tour guide Belinda Scott

TAKE a tour with Adrian Paul and you will come back with a head full of history.

You might hear about holding swimming carnivals in Coffs Creek or the time enthusiastic defenders of Coffs Harbour blew up a whale after mistaking it for a Japanese submarine during WWII. “Vicki and I used to regularly walk down to the Jetty and the beach and back again and I used to think ‘wouldn’t it be good if someone could take guided tours’,” Adrian said.

Now he does just that.

In spring and summer he guides walkers along the shady and scenic Coffs Creek Walk from Rotary Park to Saltwater Park, pointing out natural

features of the waterway and its environs and past and present locations of note.

In autumn and winter he guides the Harbour History tour, a shorter walk from Dolphin Marine magic along the beach front to the jetty, pointing out historic sites on the foreshores and outlining some of the special events and activities which have taken place there.

Both walks take about two hours Adrian was one of the first to put his hand up when Coffs Harbour City Council put out a call for volunteer guides in 2009.

Three years later the program won a state government sustainability award.

“Having a professional background as a teacher helped with the communication skills,”

Seniors 7

Adrian said.

“After 36 years of talking to teenagers, I was most nervous about talking to adults.”

History and the environment are among his special interests.

“My training is in history, but I had to do a lot of research,” he said “The environment is very much a part of what we are trying to do.

“On the Coffs Creek Walk I talk about the impact man has had going back 12,000 years, when Aboriginal people conserved their environment; about global warming and what we can do now.

“I see what goes into Coffs Creek and the question is: How did it get there?

“The take home message is to look at the ways we can take care of the environment in our

VOLUNTEER GUIDE: Coffs ambassador Adrian Paul brings the history of the harbour at Coffs alive on his free guided walks.

PHOTO: BELINDA SCOTT

everyday lives and what we can do in simple practical ways.”

On his walks Adrian also talks about the Take Three program which encourages people to pick up three pieces of rubbish whenever they take a walk; to use reusable products in place of disposables and to take to social media to follow www.take3.org.au and

share the message with at least three people.

Adrian says he has learned important lessons from John Turbill from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and NPWS Discovery Ranger and Gumbaynggirr elder Mark Flanders.

Mark Flanders is a student turned mentor.

Adrian taught Mark during his 23 years at

Orara High School and says in Year 3 the now-dignified elder was “a mischievous kid, with a real spark about him”.

Adrian may be retired but is busier than many people half his age.

The fundraising co-ordinator for community radio station 2AIR-FM, he also wields a paint brush, does odd jobs; pre-records the Friday night show Night Moods and presents the easy-listening program Reminiscing on Tuesday afternoons.

“I’m an adult disc jockey – something I always wanted to do as a kid,” Adrian said.

“I enjoy listening to any type of music.”

And he still manages to fit in a game of golf three times a week Adrian’s next tour will be a Harbour History Walk on April 22.

The next Coffs Coast Ambassador Walk will be Birds of the Coffs Coast on March 5.

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8 Seniors Coffs and Clarence Gorgeous art shows at the Grafton Art Gallery Current shows at 158 St, Grafton or online at graftongallery. nsw.gov.au/cp.

Portraits (runs until March 4) Clarence Valley photographer Deborah Novak’s portrait titled Portrait of a Lady will be on show, as well as John Witzig’s Clarence Couple from 1974. Works such as these sit alongside prints of paintings by national artists such as Charles Blackman and Judy Cassab.

Gladys O'Grady: Flowers from the collection (runs until March 4) Gladys O’Grady (1894–1985) and her sister Doris O’Grady (1902–1994) were keen observers of the natural environment. Most of their lives were spent on the family property Tristania at Seelands, west of Grafton.

Gladys watercolours date from the 1920s through to the 1970s and showcase her passion for both art and the surrounding environment.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Label clearly and reveal the chemicals

Consumer advocate Sue Dengate is trying to prevent the camouflage of food additives Belinda Scott

WOOLGOOLGA-based food researcher and 2010 NSW Senior Australian of the Year Sue Dengate has launched an online petition to prevent food processors from hiding monosodium glutamate (MSG) in food by listing it as a “processing aid.”

The application is expected to be considered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand in early June.

MSG can cause serious health effects including migraine and headaches, rapid heartbeat, arthritis, sleeplessness, weight gain and poor memory.

Sue’s husband, food scientist Dr Howard

Dengate said there were two things wrong with the enzyme the processor wanted to use.

First it considerably increased the level of free glutamates in the food, making it more strongly flavoured because it increased the MSG which many people sought to avoid.

Second it would never be shown on the label.

“If this enzyme is approved and hidden, there will be many more used to manufacture currently regulated food preservatives inside your food so that they are not listed on the label.

“You will have no idea that there are propionate or benzoate preservatives hidden in the food.

You will have no idea that the free glutamates have been vastly

increased then boosted further with hidden ribonucleotides.

“And the label may legally say no MSG or no added MSG or no preservatives.”

A voluntary consumer advocate for 27 years, Sue Dengate lobbies for awareness of the effects of harmful food additives and the use of safer alternatives.

She is the author of the best-selling Fed Up series of books which explores the effect of chemicals in foods on health, behaviour and learning.

Sue and Howard Dengate also run the international Food Intolerance Network, Sue’s petition to the food authority, Reject a new way of hiding MSG in foods, can be found on change.org

FIGHTING FOR AWARENESS : Sue Dengate is trying to prevent processors introducing a new way of hiding MSG in processed foods.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

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There is a great variety of choice. Meals can be delivered daily, weekly or ring for an order if you are not feeling well.

“A balanced meal will improve how you feel.” Consumers can pick up from the offices meals of their choice. It is quick and easy like a menu in your freezer.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 9

Clarence Care + Support for Seniors Health tips

Welcome from the manager

+

+

Karen Waterhouse Home care senior program co-ordinator

Kerry Little Manager, Care + Support

DID you know that ‘heat stress’ has been classed as one of Australia’s top natural killers accounting for more deaths than floods, cyclones, bushfires and storms combined?

Heat-related illness can include dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Unfortunately, pre- existing medical conditions can make your symptoms worse.

ALL the best for Seniors Week 2017.

First of all I would like to introduce my service and my team. As manager of Clarence Care + Support for the past three years, I have had the pleasure of seeing our service grow and work with the community to provide a diverse range of programs. This includes Home Care Packages, private services and in-home and community support.

Our Home Care team is led by Karen Waterhouse who, as a registered nurse working in the community for many years, ensures the quality and expertise is provided to our staff and customers. Karen believes that “needing help is the easy part, getting the right help is harder!”

Karen stated that, “New government reforms continue to make accessing aged care services a complex labyrinth to navigate.

“Clarence Care + Support believes that assisting you with choosing services is part of our quality service provision,” she added.

Our Commonwealth Home Support team is led by Kerrie Birch who also began her career in nursing. These programs include lawn maintenance, domestic assistance, meals and social support.

If needing care and support to remain living at home please contact our service for more information.

TIPS TO PREVENT A HEAT RELATED CONDITION:

■ Drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice (one

A new name reflects change in community services

THIS year is a time of change for community services and in line with this Clarence Valley Council Care and Support Services are changing their name and logo.

“This new name is modern and shows we are a provider of community services throughout northern NSW,” manager of the new-look service Kerry Little said.

“Our logo has been designed by a local artist, Yohanna Dent, who has taken the colours of the Valley and then the meaning of our name, care and support. Then a flower with a heart in the middle really does show what our service means to our staff and customers.”

Clarence Care and Support is an independent and not-for-profit organisation that enables individuals and families to achieve a lifestyle of their choice. Every individual that connects with Clarence Care and Support is looking for the assistance they need to enrich their lives. The services we provide help them live and choose their lifestyle and remain living in their community.

We are here. We are here to listen. We are here to act. We are here to help. We are here for you.

Information sessions for our community Clarence Care + Support Community information sessions during Seniors Week 2017 Our staff will be able to answer your questions on: ■ Thursday, March 9 at 9am–5pm: Yamba Fair Shopping Centre.

■ Friday, March 10 at 9am–4pm: Grafton CCS office, 49 Queen St. ■ Saturday, March 11 at 9am–2pm: Lismore Workers Club, Keen St.

Home Maintenance services range from fixing your washing machine to repairing a leak in your roof

Home Modifications can range from the installation of a small grab rail in the shower to the installation of a lift.

www.clarencecareandsupport.com.au

Phone: 02 6645 0400

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part juice to four parts water).

■ Avoid drinking excess tea, coffee and alcohol.

■ Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothing.

■ Protect yourself when outside.

■ Limit outdoor activities to the coolest parts of the day.

■ Stay cool – ideally an air cooler but you could use a spray bottle with water to cool yourself down.

■ Have a cool bath or shower.

■ Keep your energy levels up by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

■ Watch out for others.

We will create a care plan that suits each individual’s and family’s needs.

Clarence Care and Support has been helping people in the Clarence Valley and throughout the northern NSW area since 1994. We know our area, our people and our services.

Our services are provided by staff who will work to provide quality and caring individual supports whether in the home or in the community. This is part of the vision and purpose of Clarence Care and Support; to deliver the highest quality community care services to enable all people to live a lifestyle of their choice.

Our staff receive extensive training and education to ensure we have confident, experienced and knowledgeable people to match with individual needs. This also allows Clarence Care and Support to be an inclusive service for all in the community who may need support.

We are proud our service is accredited for aged care service provision as well as a registered NDIS service provider.

– manager Kerry Little

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24-hour nursing care and support.

Call us on 6645 2966 to arrange a visit.

Mareeba Aged Care 6 Rannoch Avenue, Maclean, 2463 Phone: 02 6645 2966, Email: admi min@mareebaagedcare.com.au Internet: w ww ww.mareebaagedcare.com.au

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10 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Wellbeing ACTIVE AGEING

WEIGHT-bearing and resistance exercises are the answer to helping your bones get stronger.

Osteoporosis Australia exercise specialists say hopping and jumping, and progressive resistance training such as lifting weights in the gym, are the most effective exercises for improving and preserving bone strength throughout life.

Other exercises that involve the feet making impact with the ground such as running and jumping, tennis and dancing are all good for bones.

OA’s Professor Belinda Beck recommends regular exercise that raises the heart rate is important for reducing the risk of common lifestyle

diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

“But we know that aerobic exercise on its own makes little or no difference to bones,” Prof Beck said.

❝

.. .hopping and jumping, and progressive resistance training such as lifting weights in the gym, are the most effective exercises . . .

“Bones need to be stressed in very specific ways in order to get stronger.”

To get successfully active, you should: ■ Be regular – exercise for about 30 minutes, at least three times a week.

■ Exercise intensity should increase gradually over time – the amount of weight used, degree of exercise difficulty, height of jumps, and so on, must increase or vary over time to challenge the bones and muscles.

■ Routines should be varied rather than repetition.

■ Exercises should be performed in short, intensive bursts.

■ Regular short bouts of weight-bearing exercise separated by several hours are better than one long session.

■ Lifting weights quickly is more effective for

improving muscle function than lifting them slowly.

■ Rapid, short bursts of movement such as jumping or skipping are more effective than slow movements.

Exercise specialists recommend that before

HEALTH HELP: Strengthen your bones using regular weight-bearing and resistance exercises. PHOTO: OSTEOPOROSIS AUSTRALIA

anyone starts exercising, particularly those people who have osteoporosis or already had a fracture, a qualified exercise

professional should be consulted so that an appropriate program can be designed to obtain the most benefits.

Staying together with fur friends

PET SUPPORT: PAPA president Jan Phillips with Kirsty and Mintie.

PHOTO: DI JOHNSTONE

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KEEPING older Australians and their pets together is the goal of the national lobby group, Pets and Positive Ageing, which is the first of its kind.

The voluntary organisation is a specialised advocacy group that is helping find ways for domestic pets to stay with their elderly owners at home or in retirement villages, in hostels, at independent living units and in low care areas of nursing.

President Jan Phillips said the organisation realised from very early

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days that pets and ageing was a national issue.

Since 2012 it has confronted and challenged the issues surrounding when older Australians need to move to supported accommodation and the vexing problem of what to do with their pets.

Ms Phillips said PAPA is continually engaging with several animal welfare and in-home pet support programs across Australia, providing them access to a resource-rich website and pet-friendly accommodation information flyers, and organising events on pets

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and positive ageing issues.

Its community consultations have led PAPA to offer, “practical initiatives such as promotion of support services in other states, holding public forums on key issues, talking to key senior groups and service providers, and mentoring community organisations looking to emulate the PAPA programs,” Ms Phillips said.

The group’s newest campaign is focused on pet support becoming one of the standard services offered to home and community care clients

within home care packages.

Other PAPA projects on the table for 2017 are developing advice on end-of-life for pets, promoting the use of emergency or home alone contact cards, and opening discussions on taking dogs into public places and onto public transport.

For more information on the group, go to www.petsandpositive ageing.com.

This is the first story in a series on Pets and Positive Ageing.

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wellbeing

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 11

Walk your way to happy living

TRY IT: A walk can work wonders for your health.

your heart and lung fitness.

3. Improves bones and balance.

4. Reduces body fat.

5. Improves strength and endurance.

6. You can do it alone, with a friends or with a whole group.

What, when and how – ■ Talk to your doctor before you start if you not sure about your health status.

■ Wear appropriate shoes with good support and non-slippery sole.

■ Wear loose, comfortable clothes suiting the temperature.

■ Carry a water bottle.

■ Warm up before every walk by starting with a slow pace.

■ Get moving every day for 30 minutes, as a minimum.

■ Aim for 10,000 steps

every day, either in one walk or several walks throughout your day.

■ Make your walk as brisk as your fitness can handle.

■ Sing or talk while you walk to improve your lung health.

■ Walk on grass rather than concrete to help absorb the impact.

■ Do some gentle calf muscle stretches when you finish your walk.

■ Get yourself a pedometer so you can track your steps. There are cheap ones around.

■ Make your walks interesting by changing the places you walk, who you walk with, or maybe the time of day you walk.

Heart Foundation website points to a walking group near you; http://walking.heart foundation.org.au.

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WALKING is our cheapest, easiest way to get our bodies moving towards living a happier and healthy life in our senior years.

It doesn’t have to be vigorous, but we do need to commit to doing it every day.

Walking is the perfect way to improve your health. It’s low impact and requires no equipment, just comfortable clothing and footwear.

You can turn it into a social activity or enjoy the peace of walking alone.

Overweight, obese or near-weight; everyone can benefit from some gentle walking exercise every day.

If you think about, most of us are already walk every day. But, do we do enough? Usually our bodies will tell us when we need to get off the couch, out of the office chair, leave the car behind and get our legs and arms moving.

Here’s some tips to help you get moving, or perhaps help you to return to walking after a short new-year break.

Six health benefits – 1. It’s weight bearing as you are carrying your own weight.

2. Great way to improve

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12 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Talk ‘n’ thoughts Hurdles, highjumps and solutions

From little things big things grow FIVE months ago I published the first of these stories in Seniors Newspaper ‘Talk n thoughts’ section, and I have since noted there is plenty of talk going on with Australian committees, working groups, governments and private interests.

On the other hand some not-for-profit building companies such as Brisbane Housing Company or the Tiny Homes Foundation are flat out with fundraising and building appropriate housing. I have also published a story on Sydney’s Paramatta Council, which is taking a look at alternative housing models through a house sharing initiative.

However, right now demand far outweighs available accommodation, and as the older demographic increases so does the urgency of this issue.

Nevertheless, in a decent society there are always people who, rather than sticking their head in the sand, raise their hand and take solid initiatives in the quest for affordable housing for the older person.

Here, I introduce you to Linda Mina, whose own experience led her to set up an online housing site, and Anglicare North Coast NSW chief executive officer Estelle Graham,

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

leader of a group who has gone to work to raise affordable housing construction funds.

■ House sharers Gold Coast resident, 68-year-old Linda Mina, has set up Facebook groups to help older people find share housing. She said her inspiration for creating the Seniors Share Houses Facebook groups evolved from personal experience.

“At 60, due to ill health, I retired. My children had moved out and I was left with a mortgage struggling to make ends meet,” she said.

“I decided the only way to afford any sort of life was to sell my house and rent.”

However, a look at the price of rentals and the realisation that her pension wouldn’t even cover a one-bedroom apartment, meant she had to consider alternative housing styles.

“I remembered the share houses from my youth and decided to check Gumtree. I found most were seeking younger people. “Luckily, I did eventually find a

flatmate of similar age and interests and we became close friends.”

Linda’s career background was in community development and with that knowledge she took a further step and created a specific space just for seniors to advertise when seeking or offering share accommodation.

“You may wonder ‘why Facebook?’, because it might not be considered senior-friendly,” she said.

“However, it is free to use, has the capacity to reach many people, and libraries and community groups are now offering courses in the use of social media.”

Linda’s Facebook site Seniors Share Houses Gold Coast has been running for about 18 months and she told me it had helped many find their perfect flatmate (and friend). “There are currently 550 members and growing,” she said.

This month, due to its success, she has developed a similar Sunshine Coast group. In a little over a week Seniors Share Houses Sunshine Coast had grown to 60 members and has several adverts for people seeking and places to share.

You can search for and join Seniors Share Houses Gold Coast, Seniors Share Houses

Sunshine Coast and Seniors Connect on Facebook.

■ Anglicare North Coast Anglicare CEO Estelle Graham said the North Coast area reached from Port Macquarie to the Queensland border and while on the surface this area represented a sunny holiday destination, there was a problem with affordable housing.

Ms Graham said high rental costs were exacerbated by increased demand from the influx of road construction workers, and homes, formerly permanent rentals, reassigned to the Airbnb pool.

She also pointed to research by Sandy Darab and Yvonne Hartman from the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Southern Cross University, Lismore, and their studies on the housing situation of older women in the Northern Rivers area.

In an article for **ProBono (16/11/2016) the researchers said they had found a “massive problem”. They went on to describe the issue as “a sleeping giant”.

In an effort to generate affordable housing funds, Ms Graham said in December last year, Anglicare North Coast launched the Gr8Cleaning business. GR8CLEAN is a specialist cleaning service for Ballina, Alstonville,

PRACTICAL WORK: Anglicare North Coast CEO Estelle Graham is behind a business to support affordable housing.

Lismore and Byron Bay residents. It does specialised work such as air conditioner cleaning and pressure cleaning of houses/offices, driveways and footpaths. The not-for-profit is run by qualified and trained Anglicare North Coast employees and all profits from GR8CLEAN help Anglicare North Coast continue to provide vital services.

■ **Extract from ProBono article: Hartman says they found that baby boomers, as they come to retirement, are really finding it difficult. “As they come to the end of their working lives and because of their backgrounds with women’s role as carer, and the way it was structured in the last century, women tend to come to the end of their working lives without the same financial resources as men, due to gender inequality in wages etc.,” Hartman said.

“Even women when they divorce, and get a very good settlement with the house, most of them can’t actually maintain it or keep the payments up and many lose their home and end up renting and that just becomes untenable when they only have a pension to rely on.

Additionally, she says many of the women won’t seek help until they are in a “very, very bad situation” because “they are ashamed that they don’t have anywhere to live and are reluctant to go to service providers until they’re in a bad way”.

GR8CLEAN Visit the website gr8clean.com.au or call (02) 6642 4345. *https://probono australia.com.au/ news/2016/11/ homelessness-olderaustralian-womensleeping-giant/ (16/11/2016)

Come On Let’s Do The Google This March Tune in, turn on and tap into next month’s technology edition.

This March, we’re sharing dozens of user-friendly tips to start or further your use of computers, cameras or phones.

There’s so much available to enhance our lives, from new communication techniques to medical devices and very clever cameras.

Pick up your free copy of the March edition at your local stockist or read online at seniorsnews.com.au News + LifestyLe + HeaLtH + traveL + fiNaNce + eNtertaiNmeNt

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Get savvy and join the tech talk this March in Seniors Newspapers.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Even heroes need a break sometimes

Seniors 13

With 70 years of award winning experience in residential and in-home care, we know what goes into being a full time carer.

Award winning residential and in-home care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

14 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Time for something new THIS year the theme of the 2017 Seniors Festival (formerly NSW Seniors Week) is “Inclusive Communities”.

There’s always room in life for new experiences, in this edition, we encourage you to check out our Seniors calendar, pick something normally outside your comfort zone and take the opportunity to try something out of the norm. Have you ever thought about a certain creative project, a

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK GAIL FORRER

Group editor Seniors Newspapers network

sporting activity, alternative health or technology, you would like to know more about?

Seniors Week is all about welcoming you to fresh experiences, now’s the time to put your thoughts

into action and feel the excitement of fresh discoveries.

The value and meaning of the Senior’s Week theme, Inclusive Communities, lies in realising its opposite, which is, isolation and exclusion. Inclusive Communities promote choice, support and of course, inclusion. In particular at this time of year, the government supports these options through investment in social infrastructure and

social capital, in this case much of the support is channelled through to local, grassroots groups who take the opportunity to extend and share their knowledge, entertainment and friendship during the 2017 Seniors Festival period.

The numerous and diverse range of events held during the 10-day NSW Seniors Festival , between Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 12, is an initiative to bring all

seniors together to embrace and celebrate this marvellous age.

Besides, providing some great entertainment, it is hoped various events reflect some of the festival week’s message which include: Empowering our demographic to stay connected and contribute to our communities; To live active and healthy lives with improved physical and mental wellbeing; Bring together

local community organisations to produce multicultural, intergenerational or lifestyle events for senior community members; Harness opportunities for seniors to continue to participate in activities outside the festival and encourage opportunities for seniors to continue to learn.

Go on, don’t hold back, have a go and enrich your life.

Enjoy, Gail

Creative techniques to improve your wellbeing THE Whiddon Group’s Director of Research and Creative Ageing Expert, Karn Nelson, shares her insights on the links between creativity and wellbeing, and tips on how to use these techniques at home.

At Whiddon, we use the term creative ageing broadly to include arts and crafts, music and song, dance, theatre, animal therapy, storytelling, writing, cooking and gardening.

The reason it works is that creative expression engages many different parts of the brain, and it is enjoyable, which means that you are more likely to keep on doing it.

Neuroscience confirms that our brain’s capacity for creative expressions does not diminish with age, in fact, it can grow.

We’ve found that getting people involved in creative activities and groups is a highly effective way of tackling social isolation and loneliness, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving capability and cognition. Our trial of HenPower, a creative ageing and socialengagement program based around keeping and caring for chooks has resulted in much-improved

FRIENDS: Resident Aub says having Priscilla to look after helps him stay motivated to be active and spend more time outside.

Keeping company with feathered friends during activities.

PHOTO: KERRY WILSON

quality of life for the residents that get very involved. For one resident, Aub, having chickens in the home gave added purpose to his day and helped him regain a previous level of physical activity by giving him a reason to spend time outside and walk around.

Our tips for healthy ageing: ■ Get creative – You don’t need to be ‘naturally’ creative. Anyone can get involved in and enjoy creative activities – music, singing, art, mandala meditation, puzzles, even gardening and cooking involve creative expression. These activities build confidence and can have a big impact on positivity, wellbeing

could be finding new interests or maintaining existing hobbies, going to social groups and events, caring for a family pet, going on outings with family and friends, or even having a meaningful

and happiness.

■ Stay connected – Loneliness and social isolation can have huge impacts on health, engagement and wellbeing. Find ways to connect with people,

❝

Anyone can get involved and enjoy creative activities – music, singing, art, mandala meditation, puzzles, even gardening and cooking... places, interests and things that matter to you and encourage family and friends to do the same.

It’s important to understand that being social and keeping connected looks a little different for everyone; it

conversation with someone.

■ Be physically active – Keeping active is important at all ages and exercise is beneficial for both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Having a reason to keep

The perfect match

active or spend time outside in the garden, as we saw in our HenPower trial, helps with the motivation for this.

This could be going for a walk to catch up with family or friends, spending time in the garden, walking a pet or going for a swim.

■ Exercise your mind – Brain training is a hot topic and we frequently hear about activities to keep the brain active.

Whiddon offers a program called Chat, Stories & Tea, a social program that uses non-medication based approaches to slow cognitive decline.

Techniques from the program can also be used at home to help engage a family member or friend –

use plenty of sensory stimuli, such as music, pictures, things to hold and play with to help encourage conversation and memories to flow.

Avoid asking direct questions, as this can be intimidating and instead use imagination to encourage conversation to build confidence.

■ Find meaningful activities – Participating in meaningful activities helps us feel positive, purposeful and accomplished.

These activities may change as we grow older and it’s important to help a family member find what’s meaningful and enjoyable for them – pursuing an old hobby, or finding a new one, volunteering, mentoring others and finding ways to give back.

Caring for another being or living thing, human, animal or plant can have an enormous impact on feeling that we are contributing and valued, which is why pet therapy is so powerful.

To find out more about Whiddon’s award-winning aged care services and creative ageing programs visit www.whiddon.com.au or chat to us on 1300 738 388.

At Whiddon, we pride ourselves on our wonderful qualified and dedicated staff always going the extra mile to support our clients at home, living fuller and more independent lives for longer.

Award winning residential and in-home care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

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Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 15

Calendar of events FRIDAY, MARCH 3

★Art & Alzheimer’s art appreciation tour 9am AS PART of the art appreciation tour, participants will be viewing three to four selected artworks from the current exhibitions.

During the tour your specially trained educators will start easy group chats and explore ideas about the selected artworks. $5 per visitor and their companion. Maximum of five visitors plus companions. Bookings essential two weeks prior to tour date.

Phone 6581 8888 to book. Glasshouse Arts Centre, cnr Hay and Clarence Sts, Port Macquarie. ★Musical Duo 7.30pm FREE ‘Just Friends’ musical duo from 7.30pm onwards at the Grafton District Services Club, 105–107 Mary St, Grafton.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3–31

Artists of the Riverside Gardens Village THIS exhibition showcases the art of residents of the local Riverside Gardens Village. It is also a reflection of the valuable work members of Nambucca Valley Arts Council provide in supporting art in their community through tuition and guidance.

Please note the gallery is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10am–3pm and Saturday 9.30am–12pm. Closed Monday/Tuesday. Stringer Gallery, 19 Ridge St, Nambucca Heads.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3 – APRIL 2

EXPLORE: Natural Heritage on display at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre,

FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 4, 10 AND 11

God’s Waiting Room 7.30pm MATINEES 2pm on Sunday, March 5 and 12. Pelican Playhouse, 81 Through St, South Grafton. Tickets: $20 Full / $15 Concession.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3–5

Coffs Annual Art Display & Competition 10am–8pm NOW in its fourth year, this competition is attracting an increasing number of works by local artists, young and old.

Exhibition closes 5pm on the 6th for Awards Presentation at 6pm. Enquiries: Lauren on 6691 9260. C.ex Coffs.

1 Vernon St, Coffs Harbour.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3–11

Discover Port Macquarie’s Heritage 9.30am–4.30pm TAKE advantage of the free entry for seniors to explore this multi award-winning museum. Comprising 14 galleries and display areas you will be surprised once you step inside at how much there is to see and learn. Exhibits are regularly updated and changed, so if you have visited before, you might like to visit again! Museum closed on Sundays.

Port Macquarie Museum, 22 Clarence St, Port Macquarie.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3–12

★Self Portraits & Digital Plein Air – Heritage-specific landscapes 10am–5pm THIS exhibition will showcase digital art done by seniors on their iPads through a series of workshops held in February when they will visit historic sites and create artworks to interpret the heritage specific landscapes. The gallery is closed Mondays. The Glasshouse, 32/40 Clarence St, Port Macquarie. ★FREE admission to Coffs Museum for Seniors Week FOR the whole of Seniors Week and even more upcoming seniors-friendly opportunities and events at: www.coffsconnect.com.au.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3–14

The Mid North Coast Creative Ageing Festival A FESTIVAL of ideas innovation inspiration and imagination. The Mid North Coast Creative Ageing Festival is an innovative, and we hope, annual event which acknowledges the valuable role that seniors play in our community and highlights the importance of engaging in the arts and creative activities to foster good health and wellbeing as people age. The festival has been inspired by the creative ageing festivals in Ireland, Wales, and Scotland

Port Macquarie.

as well as the long-standing New South Wales Seniors Festival. The festival offers opportunities for older people to participate in the arts through exhibitions, performances, film screenings, dance, workshops, discussion groups, networking and sharing of experiences and information.

There are also open days for many community groups and activities that people can participate in all year. We hope as many people get out and enjoy the 50+ events taking place across the region from rural and small communities such as Upper Lansdowne and Coomba Park, to townships such as Tea Gardens, Urunga and Wauchope to our major centres and cultural attractions. www.midnorthcoastcreativeageing festival.com.au.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3-26

The Tangled Forest THIS exhibition features the paintings of local artist John Andrews who brings over 40 years’ experience to his landscape paintings. The works are inspired by the landscape of the valleys of Waukivory, near to Gloucester. John’s semi abstract style is often bold and bright. The gallery is open Thursday to Saturday 10am–4pm and Sundays 10am–1pm. Closed Monday to Wednesday. Gloucester Gallery, Denison St, Gloucester.

Coral Allan, 98 thrill-seeker

Glass from the Past and A Showcase History of the Camera 10am–4pm THE Glass from the Past exhibition includes Angus McNeil’s photographs documenting people and places from the Macleay. The images were recorded by McNeil on large format glass plates and the resulting prints are of superb quality.

The images are from the Collection of the Macleay River Historical Society.

Additionally, A Showcase History of the Camera will be exhibited. The Slim Dusty Centre is open seven days a week. Nulla Nulla Gallery. Slim Dusty Centre, 490 Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3 – APRIL 28

Theatres of War. Wartime Entertainment & the Australian Experience 10am–5pm THIS exhibition highlights the crucial role played by music and theatre in the lives of Australians from the First World War to Afghanistan. Drawn primarily from Arts Centre Melbourne’s Performing Arts Collection, the exhibition includes photographs, scrapbooks, letters, posters and audio-visual material to tell stories ranging from concert party performers on the Western Front, female impersonators and opera singers in the jungles of New Guinea, to pop stars taking music from home to Vietnam. The Glasshouse, 32/40 Clarence St, Port Macquarie. Closed Mondays.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

At Whiddon, we pride ourselves on our wonderful qualified and dedicated staff always going the extra mile to support our clients at home, living fuller and more independent lives for longer.

Award winning residential and in-home care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

16 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Calendar of events FROM PAGE 15

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

★Opera by the Lake 1.30–6pm AN EVENING full of culture by the beautiful Wallis Lake – an Opera Gala to remember with arias and ensembles from the world’s most adored operas. In the beautiful setting of Tuncurry’s John Wright Park, this operatic celebration is INFO HUB: Find out about health, wealth, travel, presented on the open education and more at the Port Macquarie Seniors Expo. air stage in the park and fully seated including accessible seating. Not to be missed. John Wright Park, Tuncurry. to begin that fascinating journey into Bookings online: greatlakes.org.au. your family’s past. Bring along some ★Rocking’ by the Beach basic family information and/or a 7.30pm NOT since 2003 has Club Forster hosted birth, death or marriage certificate and do a little research yourself on a purely 1950’s and ’60’s dance event! the day. Morning/afternoon tea Dance from 7.30–11pm to the sounds of provided.

Enquiries 0419 223 166.

Sydney’s hottest ’50’s and ’60’s dance band Matchbox. Enquiries: phone MONDAY, MARCH 6 6591 6591. Club Forster, 19 Strand St, ★Arts for Relaxation Forster. Bookings on www.clubforster.

10am–2pm com.au/rockin-by-the-beach.html.

TRY your hand at a variety of art genres moving from table to table in this creative and relaxing afternoon SUNDAY, MARCH 5 experience. $10 per person, includes ★Musical Morning in the Gardens morning tea, lunch and materials at 10am–1pm Boambee East Community Centre, THE Coffs Harbour City Orchestra presents a relaxed, free Sunday session. Bruce King Dr. Bookings essential

by Friday, March 3. Contact: Boambee Playing popular classics and your East Community Centre on favourite movie themes at North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. Bring a picnic 6658 4655 or email admin@becc. rug/cushion or fold-up chair. No bookings org.au. ★Introduction to computers required. Contact: Pamela on 10am–12pm 0401 022 951. Please note that in the COME along to the meeting room, event of significant rain, the event will Grafton Library, free. Bookings: have to be cancelled.

6641 0100. ★Memories and Museum Meander ★Coffs Annual Art Display & Guided Tour Competition Awards Presentation 1pm, 2pm and 3pm 6pm COME along and explore the past.

NOW in its fourth year, this competition Museum entry $5 but with free guided is attracting an increasing number of tour and light refreshments for seniors. works by local artists, young and old.

Great Lakes Museum, 1 Capel St, Exhibition open until 5pm. Award Tuncurry. Enquiries on 6554 6275. presentation at 6pm. C.ex Coffs, ★Yamba Seniors Inc. 1 Vernon St, Coffs Harbour. Enquiries: 10am Lauren on 6691 9260.

MORNING tea, sausage sizzle and ★Coomba Choral Group Open Day entertainment at Yamba Bowling Club, 10.30am 44 Wooli St, Yamba. Cost: $5 per LISTEN to a couple of the choir’s person. Enquiries: 6646 2305. favourite songs before joining in some easy, well-known songs. Time to mix and SUNDAY. MARCH 5–11 chat, ask questions, make suggestions.

Finding Convict Connections Coomba Community Hall, Moorooba 10am–2pm Park, Coomba Park. Enquiries: on LET our open days (May 5, 6 and 11) and 6554 2448. helpful members guide and inspire you

★Explore our Natural Heritage.

9am–4.30pm SEA Acres National Park protects one of the largest remaining coastal rainforests on the Australian east coast, meaning that the rainforest runs all the way to the beach. The rainforest is best explored along the boardwalk which is an easy stroll and accessible friendly.

Seniors will receive free entry to the Rainforest Boardwalk on presentation of their Seniors Card at the Sea Acres desk.

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, 159 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie. Free entry. Enquiries: on 6582 3355. ★Port Macquarie Seniors Expo 9am–2pm THE aim of the Seniors Expo is to provide a hub for seniors to access information about health, wealth, travel, education and social and cultural activities plus provide newly arrived and newly retired residents an opportunity to join a seniors group and be linked in to the community.

Port Macquarie Panthers. Settlement City. For more information: visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/seniorsweek or phone Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on 6581 8111. ★Sing Australia Coffs Harbour 7–9pm SING Australia is a national network of choirs with a difference. There aren’t any auditions, no pressure, no need to read music. It’s just lots of fun and good for your health. Come and join us and put a song in your heart. Meets every Monday so why not give it a go. Anglican Hall, 4 McLean St, Coffs Harbour. For more information contact Tess Mylrea on 6652 7402 or mylrea@netspace.net.au.

MONDAY, MARCH 6–10

Tech Savvy Seniors 10am, 12pm and 2pm.

FREE at Grafton Shopping World, 52–74 Fitzroy St, Grafton.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

10am–11am ★Yarn and Yak Knitters & Crochet Gathering A FREE and ongoing monthly opportunity for people to meet and share a common interest in yarning and yakking at Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Coffs Harbour.

Bookings not required. Contact: the library on 6648 4900. ★Healthy Minds seminar FREE 2–4pm EXPLORE the benefits of keeping an active healthy mind for long-term mental health and disease prevention at Harry

Spring chicken?

Bailey Memorial Library, Coffs Harbour.

Bookings essential. Contact: the library on 6648 4900. ★Grandparents Storytime at your local library 11am FOR seniors and young people dear to them sharing stories, crafts and more.

Free. Tuesday, March 7 Woolgoolga; Wednesday, March 8 Coffs; Thursday, March 9 Toormina. Bookings not required. Contact: your local library on 6648 4900 (Coffs), 6654 0010 (Woolgoolga), 6648 4925 (Toormina). ★Mobile phones and Technology workshops for seniors 9.20–11.30am A FREE Mobile phones and Technology workshops for seniors. Grafton TAFE Campus. Please bring your own phone or tablet and a snack to share. Bookings essential on 6645 0331.

1pm–3pm A FREE Mobile phones and Technology workshops for seniors. Maclean TAFE Campus. Please bring your own phone or tablet and a snack to share. Bookings essential on 6645 0331. ★Coffs Harbour Regional Museum 10am–4pm FREE entry for seniors. Let the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum bring local history to life. Discover a world of stories to spark memories and the imagination.

Hear stories of spiritual connection to the land from Gumbayggirr Elder and artist Uncle Tony Hart. Get to know John Korff who Coffs Harbour is named after and hear about the spelling mistake! The museum is full of stories about pioneering men and women – lighthouse keepers, gold miners, farmers, timber workers and fishers. 215A Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour. Enquiries: 6648 4847. ★Creative Ageing Forum 9am–1pm HEAR from key note speakers about what creative ageing is. What opportunities are there for the Coffs Coast? Learn about amazing creative ageing programs and festivals in Australia and overseas. Take part in a Q&A session to examine what opportunities the Coffs Coast could grow or foster. Morning tea provided.

Free. Who should attend: Key arts, creative industries, education, healthcare, ageing and aged care and government service providers and practitioners. Jetty Theatre.

337 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour. Register via Eventbrite for catering and venue purposes. For further information: Australian Centre for Arts and Health, www.artsandhealth. org.au or info@artsandhealth.org.au or phone 0416 641 482.

At Whiddon we believe in caring for the whole person. It means ensuring that the older people we support can still enjoy doing the things that matter to them.

70 years of award winning residential care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 17

Calendar of events ★Grandparents Storytime 11am ENJOY a special storytime at your local library where seniors and the young people dear to them can share together in a joyful morning of stories, crafts and more. Free.

Bookings not required.

Woolgoolga Library.

Ganderton St, Woolgoolga. For more information contact: Woolgoolga Library on 6654 0010. ★Memories and Museum Meander CHILDS PLAY: Connect and have fun with Grandparents’ Storytim e at Woolgoolga Library.

Guided Tour 10am, 11am and 0410 083 502.

12pm ★Curator tours – Coffs Harbour acquisitions form the first 10 COME along and explore the past.

Regional Gallery & Coffs Museum years of the award. Coffs Harbour Museum entry $5 but with free guided 11am Regional Gallery, cnr Coff & Duke Sts, tour and light refreshments for seniors.

EXPLORE the exciting collections and Coffs Harbour. Enquiries: phone Great Lakes Museum. 1 Capel St, exhibitions of your local gallery and 6648 4863.

Tuncurry. Enquiries: phone 6554 6275. museum in these intimate gallery tours ★Dangerous Ideas for Seniors ★Tea Gardens Hawks Nest with new curator Jo Besley. Free, all 2–4pm Men’s Shed Open Day welcome. Bookings required. Contact Jo JOIN with a panel of four U3A tutors who 9am–12.30pm will present their views on two MEMBERS will welcome visitors to shed, on 6648 4443. ★Maclean Seniors Luncheon challenging, topical ideas including free show off the facilities and operations, 1.30pm onwards speech and art and censorship. and provide morning tea. 25 Wanya Rd, WITH entertainment and games, Comments and opinions from the floor Tea Gardens. Contact Ian on Maclean Bowling Club, 1a McLachlan St, will be invited after the panellists’ 0438 731 889 or John on Maclean. Cost: $3. Enquiries: phone presentation. Bring a friend and take 0438 911 253.

6645 3711. part in this challenging discussion on ★Yarn & Yak Knitters & ★Grafton Seniors Club Open Day so-called “Dangerous Ideas”. Free.

Crochet Gathering 9am–3pm Cavanbah Hall Rooms A&B (at rear of 10–11am CARPET Bowls at 9–11am. Prospective building) 191 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour.

THIS is the March occurrence of an new members can come along, join in, To book or for more information phone ongoing monthly opportunity for people have a cuppa and get information about Lesley Meredith on 0410 083 502. to meet and share a common interest in the activities available, including housie, ★Gloucester District U3A. Film Group yarning and yakking. Free and no 1–2pm bookings required. Harry Bailey Memorial hoi, craft, mah jong, euchre, bus trips and special functions. Grafton COME along for a cuppa and cake and Library, 27 Duke St, Coffs Harbour.

Community Centre, 59 Duke St, Grafton. learn more about our film group and Enquiries: on 6648 4900. ★Australian Hearing Bus other activities. Senior Citizen’s Centre, 9.30am–2.30pm Hume St, Gloucester. Enquiries: phone TUESDAY, MARCH 7–10 FREE at the Grafton Community Centre, 6558 9530.

Happy Hatters Teacup Party Duke St, Grafton. ★Grandparents Storytime 10am–12pm ★Living Lightly workshops for Seniors 11am TAKE advantage of free museum entry 10.30am–12pm ENJOY a special storytime at your local and join our drop-in creative workshops COFFS Regional Community Gardens library where seniors and the young to design a hat or decorate a teacup for presents two practical hands-on people dear to them can share together a temporary community art installation. sustainable gardening workshops. Free, in a joyful morning of stories, crafts and All materials and guidance provided. The all welcome. more. Free. Bookings not required. Harry installation will be launched at a special ★Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery Bailey Memorial Library. 27 Duke St, morning tea on Friday, March 10. Port Exhibitions Tour Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour. Enquiries: Macquarie Museum, 22 Clarence St, 11am–12pm phone 6648 4900.

Port Macquarie. Enquiries: 6583 1108.

JOIN Gallery Curator Jo Besley for an ★Hello Koalas Artist’s Talk at Sea insider’s perspective to the current Acres WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 exhibitions: Pinned to the Wall, Susan 11am–12pm ★Dangerous Ideas for Seniors O’Doherty and 10 Years of EMSLA, JOIN local artist Pauline Roods to talk 2–4pm celebrating 10 years of the Eutick about the creation of the new National JOIN a panel of U3A tutors debating Memorial Still Life Award (EMSLA), the Parks Hello Koalas sculpture “Ranger controversial topics with comments and gallery’s signature program and Riley” and stay on to enjoy the Sea Acres opinions from the floor at Cavanbah Hall Australia’s leading award of the still life Rainforest Boardwalk, free of charge.

Rooms A&B. Free. Bookings not genre. Showcasing past winners and Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, 159 Pacific required. Contact: Lesley on

Alex is 90 and still growing

Dr, Port Macquarie. Seating is limited so please reserve your free seat, by phoning Sea Acres on 6582 3355 or email info@hellokoalas.com. ★Howie Brothers in Concert 2–3.30pm THE twin brothers John and Graeme are one of Australia’s leading country music/easy listening acts renowned for their distinctive vocal harmony sound.

They play a variety of instruments (including piano, guitar, accordion, mandolin, ukulele and drums) and are keen songwriters. They have won three Golden Guitar awards at the Australasian Country Music Awards, in Tamworth. Catch this popular duo before they head off for gigs in New Zealand and North America. C.ex Woolgoolga, 18 Boundary St, Woolgoolga. Enquiries: phone 6654 1307.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

★Technology Assist – drop in clinics 2–4pm BRING your own technology devices and get one-on-one friendly expert assistance to learn all the latest programs and apps to help you get connected at Coffs, Woolgoolga and Toormina libraries. Free, bookings not required. Contact: the library on 6648 4900. ★Mobile phone and Technology workshops 1.30–3.30pm FREE Mobile phones and Technology workshops for seniors at Treelands Drive Community Centre. Please bring your own phone or tablet and a snack to share. Bookings essential on 6645 0331. ★Cinematinee movie screening “Winter in Westbeth” 2pm and 6pm IN NEW York’s West Village, the elderly residents of a unique artist community continue to create like there is no tomorrow. Two screenings at Jetty Memorial Theatre – presented by Screenwave. $5 includes free ice cream.

Contact: Jetty Theatre on 6652 8088. ★The Big Chat 9.30am–3.30pm WHAT kind of ‘old’ do you want to be?

What kind of world do you want to grow “old” in? Explore the intriguing answers to these questions by joining us for The Big Chat about Creative Ageing. Hear expert speakers from arts and health practice, local government, artists working in health and aged care, gallery and museum curators, and learn about arts programs for older people to stay fit and well or for people living with chronic conditions such as dementia and Parkinsons. Special screening of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

At Whiddon we believe in caring for the whole person. It means ensuring that the older people we support can still enjoy doing the things that matter to them.

70 years of award winning residential care whiddon.com.au 1300 738 388

18 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Calendar of events FROM PAGE 17

award-winning documentary Winter at Westbeth, an inspirational story about community, ageing and the need to keep creating. Cost: $35 includes morning tea and light lunch.

Glasshouse Arts Centre, Clarence St, Port Macquarie.

Booking and further information: Australian Centre for Arts and Health, www.artsand MAKING A SPLASH: Enjoy the benefits of aqua health.org.au or fitness classes at South Grafton Pool & Gym. info@artsandhealth. org.au or telephone 0416 641 482. ★Coomba Men’s Shed Open Day From 10am 9.30am–1pm INFORMATION and entertainment by COME along and see what we do and hear what we are planning. Join in or just Coffs Harbour’s multicultural community who will assist in food preparation, have a chat. Stay on for barbecue at providing a wide selection of foods, 12pm. 1770 Coomba Rd, Coomba Bay. served by people in national dress, Enquiries contact John 0438 741 485. available to answer questions during the ★Grandparents Storytime smorgasbord lunch. Gold coin donation.

11am Bookings essential by Monday, March 6.

ENJOY a special storytime at your local Boambee East Community Centre, Bruce library where seniors and the young King Dr, Boambee East. To book or for people dear to them can share together more information phone Boambee East in a joyful morning of stories, crafts and Community Centre 6658 4655 or email more. Free. Toormina Library. Minorie Dr, admin@becc.org.au.

Toormina. No bookings required. ★Coffs Regional Brass Band Enquiries: phone 6648 4925.

12.30pm ★Laugh Yourself Healthy for Seniors THE audience will be tapping their toes 10.30–11.30am at this free concert as the Coffs Regional LAUGHTER Yoga was developed by a medical doctor in the nineties and is now Brass band belts out all the old favourites. The band is a mix of the a worldwide social movement practised young and the young-at-heart. Free in more than 100 countries. It is easy to concert. C.ex Coffs, Vista Lounge. do and can be done sitting or standing.

1 Vernon St, Coffs Harbour. Enquiries: Come along and see for yourself with phone 6652 3888. certified Laughter Yoga Leader, Kate ★Flickerfest Short Film Festival Forrest. Wauchope Library, 51 High St, 7.30pm Wauchope. Bookings: Wauchope Library A SELECTION of the Best of Australian 6581 8162.

Short Films. Flickerfest is Australia’s ★Open Day, Upper Lansdowne largest short film competition and the Craft Group only one with Academy accreditation 10am–2pm and BAFTA recognition ensuring all AN INVITATION to connect and see of the films are entertaining, inspiring all the different crafts you might want and highly creative pieces of work. to take up. Upper Lansdowne Hall.

Jetty Theatre, 337 Harbour Dr, Coffs 1412 Upper Lansdowne Rd. Harbour. Phone 6652 8088 or book ★The Wonder of Water Art Exhibition on www.jettytheatre.com 9am–2pm ★Leslie Williams’ 2017 Seniors JUST one of a number of activities Concert of the Manning Valley Senior Citizen 10.30am–12pm Association. Ormsby House.

ENJOY a complimentary cuppa 24 Commerce St, Taree. Enquiries: from 9.45am before this fantastic phone 5669 2676. free concert produced by Hastings Combined Services starts at FRIDAY, MARCH 10 10.30am. An entertainment delight! ★A Taste of Nations for Seniors Lucky door prizes too. To receive 10am your free concert ticket, simply MEET members of your local show your Seniors Card at the multicultural communities as they Panther’s reception desk. (Tickets share lunch, entertainment, culture and essential and please collect early stories at Boambee East Community as the Seniors Concerts are always Centre. Gold coin donation. Bookings fully subscribed). Port Macquarie essential by Monday, March 6. Contact: Panthers Club, Settlement City, Boambee East Community Centre on 1 Bay St, Port Macquarie. For 6658 4655. ★Curator tours – Coffs Harbour group bookings, please call Leslie Regional Gallery & Coffs Museum Williams’ office on 6584 0977.

11am For further information contact EXPLORE the exciting collections and Brian Buckett, Hastings Combined exhibitions of your local gallery and Seniors on 0418 402 316. museum in these intimate musuem ★Museum Discovery Tour tours with new curator Jo Besley. Free, all 11am–12pm welcome. Bookings required. Contact Jo JOIN museum curator Jo Besley for a tour on 6648 4443. of the museum’s collection displays and ★A Taste of Nations temporary exhibition, Bananas to

Beautyzone. In the 1950s, tourism began to gain momentum along the mid north coast and the region was officially promoted as the Pacific Beautizone – a destination for leisure and relaxation.

The exhibition highlights the changes that took place in our summers in the post-World War Two period, paving the way for the continuing transformation of the Coffs Coast region. Coffs Harbour Regional Museum. 215A Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour. Enquiries: phone 6648 4847. ★Weird Techie Stuff for Seniors 10am–12pm YOU ARE invited to come and try out the latest in weird techie stuff – all kinds of virtual reality including Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Galaxy Gear. Port Macquarie Library, Grant St, Port Macquarie. Find out about 3D Printing, MaKey and Raspberry Pi. Bookings: Port Macquarie Library on 6581 8755.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

★Growing Young Seniors Spectacular at Harbourside Markets 8am–2pm FREE with all the usual market fun plus awesome live music, free seniors workshops including dancing, yoga, painting and crochet bombing, free seniors refreshments, Growing Young Seniors Showcase’s magnificent wares from creative retirees across the local area at Harbourside Markets, Jetty Foreshores. For more information or to book a free space in the Growing Young Seniors Showcase contact Kim on 0407 661 990. ★Flickerfest Short Film Festival 7.30pm TWO hours of the Best of International Short Films. Flickerfest is Australia’s largest short film competition and the only one with Academy accreditation and BAFTA recognition ensuring all of the films are entertaining, inspiring and highly creative pieces of work.

Jetty Theatre, 337 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour. Phone 6652 8088 or book on www.jettytheatre.com. ★Sista Sing – Celebrating International Women’s Day 7pm FEATURING an amazing line-up of local woman musicians. Featuring the music of: Patti Smith, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Carole King, Janis Joplin, Joan Armatrading and more. Tickets at the door from $10 and light meal option $10. Wauchope Arts Hall.

Oxley Lane (opposite Bain Park) Wauchope. www.facebook.com/ wauchopearts. ★U3A Port Macquarie Open Day 9.30am–3.30pm A GREAT opportunity for the community to see U3A’s extensive facilities and talk to open day convenors about the many and varied courses offered including computers, foreign languages, sketching with pencil and paper or an iPad, play reading, fabric colouring, Botany for Gardeners and Ukulele for Beginners.

The U3A Centre, 2 Lochinvar Pl, Port Macquarie. Free entry for open day.

Enquiries: on 6584 4192 or enquire about course programs and fees at www.pmhu3a.org.au. ★Living Lightly workshops for Seniors 10.30am–12pm FREE, Coffs Regional Community Gardens presents two practical hands-on sustainable gardening workshops. All welcome.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

★Gardening in Small Spaces 10–11am GROWING great food for our local climate at Coffs Regional Community Gardens, Combine St. Bookings required. Contact: Phil on 0428 558 584. ★Harbourside Markets, Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour Jetty 8am–2pm A SENSATIONAL Sunday session with all the usual market fun plus awesome live music, free workshops for seniors including dancing, yoga, painting and crochet bombing, free seniors refreshments, all day boules plus Growing Young Seniors Showcase – showcasing the magnificent wares of creative retirees from across the local area. For more information or to book a free space in the Growing Young Seniors Showcase contact Kim on 0407 661 990 or email kimtowner@ gmail.com. ★Tim Pike Concert 3–5pm SINGER guitarist Tim is a local Coffs Harbour-based musician who has been playing at venues from Yamba to Port Macquarie for more than 25 years. C.ex Urunga, Morgo St, Urunga. Free event.

Enquiries: on 6655 6161. ★Suburban Country (country music act) 1pm FREE event at the Grafton District Services Club, 105–107 Mary St, Grafton. ★South Grafton Pool And Gym 8am MONDAY, Wednesday and Friday aqua classes with the focus on improving overall cardio vascular health and motion range. Tuesday and Thursday gym classes – gentle exercise with an emphasis on improving overall strength and balance. $7.50 per class, discounts available. One free trial class during Seniors Festival. Contact: on 6643 3238 or 0413 112 607 for more information.

MARCH, MONDAY 13

Creative Conversations 10–11am PEOPLE living with dementia and their carers are invited to join Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery for an informal guide of the current exhibition, followed by light refreshments. Limited spaces. Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, cnr Coff & Duke Sts, Coffs Harbour. For further information and registration, contact: Marg Coutts on 6651 7101 or email Marg.Coutts@alzheimers.org.au.

MONDAY AND TUESDAY, MARCH 13 & 14

Myall Lakes 2017 Seniors Festival Concerts 10am and 2pm THESE 90-minute concerts are packed with entertainment including: the world’s only masked impressionist Peter Kaye, award-winning accordionist Ross Maio and the amazingly talented Leigh Archer, an accomplished singer, dancer and actress. Seating is limited and limited to Myall Lakes resident seniors. Club Forster, 19 Strand St, Forster. * DISCLAIMER: Please note that while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, all events are subject to change and we do not accept responsibility for this.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 19

Growing young with a full program of events

IN COLLABORATION with a variety of community organisations and groups, Coffs Harbour City Council is proud to present a program of events for Seniors Week 2017 March 3–12.

Engage your mind, activate your body and indulge your senses with a great series of free and low-cost activities, workshops and events to celebrate.

“There’s so much on offer – from live music, yoga, health expos, art sessions, mind-challenging debates, food events, free guided tours of the Museum and up-to-the-minute technology clinics.

There’s something to appeal to everyone,” Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight said.

“This is our chance to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions that the

Seniors can participate in numerous events and activities.

older members of our community make – and give something back.”

There are more than a dozen events or activities on offer through the week.

■ Growing Young Seniors Spectacular, Harbourside Markets on March 12, 8am–2pm:

The spectacular will include an art display, spinning and weaving demonstration and calligraphy with Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group, the Razzle Dazzle Rockers dancing demonstration, chair yoga and Buff Bones classes with HARA Beyond Movement Studio, chess, bocce, Coffs Harbour Brass Band, Marion Grove Ukulele Group, plus the usual stalls.

■ Taste of Nations for Seniors, Boambee East Community Centre on March 10 from 10am: For a gold coin donation you can meet multicultural members of the community as they share lunch, entertainment, culture and stories. Bookings essential on 6658 4655

by March 6. Find out more at www.coffs harbour.nsw.gov.au/ seniorsweek

GOOD TIMES AHEAD: All entertainment acts throughout Seniors Week are free so come along and enjoy these shows, like The Howie Brothers (above).

Celebrate and appreciate NSW Seniors Festival is designed to thank, celebrate and recognise seniors for the role they play and the contributions they make to our community.

C.ex Group has plenty of activities happening across all three venues this year to help our seniors celebrate and to show our appreciation.

C.ex Urunga is offering half-price bingo during Seniors Week from March 3–10 . The talented Tim Pike will also put on a

seniors show on March 12 from 3pm, plus purchase a mug of coffee or tea for the price of a cup all week.

C.ex Woolgoolga is also offering half-price bingo during the week and will also offer a mug of coffee or tea for the price of a cup all week. The Howie Brothers will perform on March 8 for our Woolgoolga seniors and will be sure to have everyone singing along to some old favourites.

C.ex Coffs has a full

schedule for the week, which also includes half-price bingo as well as an art display and competition, Dee Donovan performing some classics in the Entertainment Lounge on March 8 and The Coffs Regional Brass Band in a one-off show on Friday, March 10 in the Vista Lounge.

There will also be information desks available throughout the week at C.ex Coffs providing information for seniors.

NSW Seniors Festival is the LARGEST FESTIVAL for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere.

NSW Seniors Festival is designed to thank, celebrate and recognise seniors for the role they play and the contributions they make to the NSW community. There are plenty of activities again this year over the C.ex Group of clubs.

C.ex Urunga Sunday 12 March

Tim Pike 3pm – 5pm | $FREE

3-12 MARCH ‘17

PURCHASE A MUG OF COFFEE OR TEA FOR THE PRICE OF A CUP

C.ex Woolgoolga C.ex Coffs

Friday 3 March to Monday 6 March

Art Display & Competition

Wednesday 8 March Dee Donovan in the Entertainment Lounge 2PM | $FREE

Friday 10 March

Coffs Regional Brass Band in the Vista Lounge 12.30PM | $FREE

Wednesday 8 March

The Howie Brothers 2PM | $FREE

PURCHASE A MUG OF COFFEE OR TEA FOR THE PRICE OF A CUP

HALF* PRICE

DURING SENIORS ESTIVAL ‘17 1 FESTIVAL

*Not valid for Boambee Bingo or Famous Faces

PLUS...

SENIORS INFO DESKS AT C.EX COFFS DURING THE FESTIVAL

20 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

Your voice can help make a big difference COTA Australia is the peak national organisation representing the rights, needs and interests of older Australians. COTA Australia is the national policy and advocacy arm of the COTA Federation which comprises COTAs in each State and Territory.

COTA Australia focuses on policy issues from the perspective of older people as citizens and consumers.

COTA needs your input and advice COTA Australia's Home Care Today program wants to interview older people who have been assessed as eligible for a Home Care Package and have a level of income above the age pension. We are also interested to speak with those in your personal support network who may be assisting you with making decisions.

How can you assist us?

We would like to interview you. The interview will take about 45 minutes and can be

done over the telephone.

The purpose of the interview is to find out what is important to you when making decisions about aged care supports.

Why do we need this information?

Having just undergone an assessment to see if you are eligible for a Home Care Package you're probably faced with a lot of information and advice right now, and trying to make some big decisions.

If you have a certain level of income over and above your pension, you will be asked to contribute to the cost of your support. If you decide to take up a Home Care Package, which provider will you choose to deliver your support? ?

Call (03) 9909 7910 and ask for Anna or Iris to talk about your experiences. All information will remain strictly confidential and we will explain to you how the information will be used.

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Come and join the fun See what events are available and make some new friends LOCAL seniors clubs in the Clarence Valley are this year hosting some wonderful social events.

There’s never been a better time to get out meet some new people, join a club, start a new hobby or reconnect with an old one.

On Sunday, March 5 at 10am, Yamba Seniors Club is holding a luncheon at the Yamba Bowling Club, with live music and entertainment, lucky door prizes and a sumptuous lunch served at 12pm.

All seniors are very welcome to come along for a great day out.

Come and join the fun in with the Clarence Valley Council.

❝

All seniors are welcome and encouraged to come grab a membership form and a cuppa.

Tickets are $7.50 at the door.

Wednesday, March 8 is a busy one with the Grafton Senior Citizens Open Day at the Grafton Community Centre, Duke

St, Grafton. Doors open 9am.

There will be carpet bowls from 9–11am, and crafty members will be there creating and displaying their beautiful work.

Committee members will be in attendance to provide lots of information on all the activities available, including housie, hoi, craft, mah jong, euchre, bus trips and special functions.

Lots of local services and businesses will be

there providing useful information.

The Australian Hearing Bus will be parked out the front offering free hearing tests.

All seniors are welcome and encouraged to come grab a membership form and a cuppa. Runs until 3pm, with free entry.

Over at the Maclean Bowling Club the Maclean Seniors Club are hosting an afternoon tea starting at 1.30pm.

Come and enjoy a sandwich, a scone and a cuppa.

Listen to the fabulous Doug Charlton serenade the room.

There will be raffles and lucky door prizes and again, all are welcome and encouraged to attend. $3 entry.

So don’t put it off any longer, come and meet some new faces.

Let’s do more together!

FREE - TUESDAY 7 MARCH - Yamba Sunshine Club Morning Tea For over 65’s 10.30 - 11.30am Treelands Drive Community Centre, Yamba. Enquiries 6642 7257 FREE - TUESDAY 7 MARCH - Seniors Tech Workshops • 9:30 - 11:30am Grafton Tafe campus, 7 Clarence St Grafton • 1-3pm Maclean Tafe Campus, Woombah St, Maclean Bookings essential 66450331. Please bring your own phone or tablet.

FREE - WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH - Morning Tea and Music with Roger Green 7257 Grafton Sunshine Club for over 65’s. 10 - 11.30am 10 Kemp Street, Grafton 6642

FESTIVAL

FRIDAY 3 MARCH – SUNDAY 12 MARCH FREE - FRIDAY 3 MARCH - Just Friends Musical duo 7.30pm onwards, Grafton District Services Club 3,4,10 and 11 MARCH - God’s Waiting Room Theatre production 7.30pm, Pelican Playhouse, 81 Through Street, South Grafton.

Tickets $20 Full / $15 Conc. Matinees 2pm Sunday March 5 and 12.

SUNDAY 5 MARCH - Yamba Seniors Club Morning Tea Sausage sizzle & entertainment, 10.00am, Yamba Bowlo $7.50 entry. 6646 2305.

FREE - MONDAY 6 MARCH - Introduction To Computers 10am-12noon, Sir Earle Page Library and Education Centre. Bookings 6641 0100 FREE - 6 – 10 MARCH - Tech Savvy Seniors Sessions 10.00am, 12.00pm and 2.00pm each day, Telstra Store, Grafton Shopping World.

Bookings essential 6642 8488 FREE - 6,7,9 AND 10 MARCH - A Wonderful Day Out - Coutts Crossing Croquet Club Get picked up in a Rolls Royce, play croquet with our friendly club members, enjoy lunch and then home, Novices welcome. Bookings essential. 6642 1561

WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH - Maclean Seniors Club Afternoon Tea 3711 Entertainment and games, 1.30pm onwards Maclean Bowling Club. $3 entry. 6645 FREE - WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH - Grafton Seniors Club Open Day 9-3pm Games and exhibits. Grafton Community Centre, 59 Duke Street, Grafton FREE - WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH - Australian Hearing Bus 9.30am - 2.30pm, Grafton Community Centre, Duke St, Grafton FREE - THURSDAY 9 MARCH - Seniors Tech Workshop phone or 1.30-3.30pm Treelands Drive Community Centre, Yamba. Please bring your own tablet. Bookings essential 6645 0331 FREE - FRIDAY 10 MARCH - Seniors Morning Tea with Bush Poet, Bill Kearns.

10-11:30am Sir Earle Page Library and Education Centre. Bookings 6641 0100 FREE - SUNDAY 12 MARCH - Suburban Country Country Music act. 1.00pm Grafton District Services Club, 105-107 Mary Street, Grafton.

FREE - Trial Aqua or Gym Class - During Seniors Festival South Grafton Pool & Gym. Contact 66433238 or 0413112607 for bookings.

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SENIORS

WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH - ‘Women of Yulgibar’ Exhibition Grafton Regional Gallery, 158 Fitzroy Street, Grafton. Until 25th March, gold coin donation

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

A wonderful and caring community Family run centre connected to Clarence

MULTI award-winning for those who have and for us all to Mareeba Aged Care in completed TAFE and celebrate Seniors Week Maclean prides itself on University courses. together, so come and the highest quality of We also have an say hello. care services in the exciting A special morning tea region. intergenerational is planned for the We have a strong program bringing the community and all are regional history and young in our community welcome to attend on deep connections within and the “not so young” Friday, March 10 at the Clarence Valley together in meaningful 10am, Mareeba Aged community. connections to share Care, 6 Rannoch Ave, Our caring and family experiences.

Maclean. run aged care facility “Our highly trained “With some unique provides state-of-the-art and wonderful staff look craft activities, and accommodation and after our residents with freshly baked treats for amenities in beautiful professionalism and morning tea, the event surroundings. At commitment. We have promises to be a lot of Mareeba you will find an outstanding activities fun and a great way for private rooms and suites and community us all to connect as a all with their own engagement program community,” Ms Bennett bathrooms, many with which makes living at said. kitchenettes, there are Mareeba a most “Mareeba is a happy large airy communal enjoyable experience,” and vibrant place where areas and beautiful Mareeba Aged Care family and friends are leafy, landscaped director of nursing always welcome. They outdoor spaces.

Rachel Bennett said. are an important part of As one of the largest Seniors Week is a the Mareeba employers in the great time for Mareeba community.”

Clarence Valley, Mareeba recognises the importance of education and training.

Mareeba partners with all levels of education and has links to local schools, universities and colleges.

Mareeba provides support to staff wishing to improve their qualifications, employs its own highly qualified educator and provides post-graduate programs A special community morning tea is on March 10 at 10am.

HOUSEBOUND Let us deliver magazines, DVDs, books & audio books to YOU for free

Seniors 21

Inspirational support “LET’S do more together” is the inspirational theme for this year’s NSW Senior’s Festival. At Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged, there’s always plenty to do.

Since 1992, when our first resident took up occupancy in Marian Grove, we’ve grown into a true community who does more together each and every day. In our village you can dance the soft shoe, play table tennis, bowls or mah jong at the recreation hall, borrow a book, CD or DVD from the library, as well as sing, play the ukulele, or learn to paint, depending on your inclination.

Residents and family connect at The Grove Café and worship at Our Lady of the Way Chapel together in our vibrant, supportive and creative community.

Just what is it that makes us so special?

Is it the beautiful grounds enclosing Marian Grove, our independent living village and Mater Christi, our residential care facility?

DOING IT TOGETHER: Dance, learn to paint or play a little table tennis at Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged.

Is it the café, or our chapel?

Is it the fun and friendship our residents enjoy? Perhaps it’s the 24-hour nursing care, or the great team of staff and volunteers who make every resident feel like a part of the family.

We can tell you what it is in two words – more

than words to us – we care. We care about our residents. We care about their quality of life, their dignity, their independence, their individual journeys and that makes all the difference.

We care –- it’s more than a logo, it’s our lifestyle.

What is it that makes Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged so special?

mate, we care for you

sometimes it’s hard to get to the library… so we’ll bring the library to you!

Our fortnightly deliveries are also available to fulltime carers and children of carers.

Home Library Service | e homelibraryservice@clarence.nsw.gov.au p (02) 66410100 | www.crl.nsw.gov.au 6530851aa

356 residents, plus a team of 200 staff and volunteers.

The Grove Café, Our Lady of The Way Chapel plus our vision and mission “We Care” all add up to the SCCA community lifestyle.

Now that’s special.

22 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Age advocacy support Government call for provider submissions for new model Tracey Johnstone

AGED care consumer advocacy services are moving towards a nationally consistent model as a result of the Federal Government calling for service provider submissions and releasing an updated draft delivery framework.

The government announced it has up to $25.7 million to spend from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 through a single national provider or state-based provider of advocacy services.

It is now calling for submissions from potential service providers.

The draft National Aged Care Advocacy Framework, first released late last year, has been modified as result of the Department of Health

receiving 33 stakeholder submissions.

The National Aged Care Advocacy Program is currently delivered by nine community-based NACAP organisations; one in each state and territory, and two in the Northern Territory.

These organisations provide information and support to older people or potential consumers of Home Care Packages and residential aged care services, their carers and families, about their rights and responsibilities when accessing services.

A key outcome of last year’s review of the current system recognised the need to – ■ support NACAP providers to achieve a nationally consistent approach to supporting consumers, their families and representatives to

NEW WAY: Australian aged care advocacy services will change to placing the consumer at the centre of decision making.

exercise informed choice about the aged care services they want and need; and ■ encourage a flexible, tailored approach to the delivery of aged care advocacy services. This

ensures that localised needs can be met and so that older people with diverse needs and people from at risk populations can be appropriately supported.

The government is

looking to achieve a free, independent and confidential advocacy service which will help older Australians to access and better use the aged care system through giving them choices and

control in a “consumer driven, market-based” aged care system.

The Department of Health said the final delivery framework was due to be published in mid-2017.

Help available to aid with independence All the services you need to stay independent in your own home!

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Coffs Harbour

02 6568 2522 Macksville

Lifetimeconnect.org.au

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02 6652 9563

LIFETIME Connect has been operating in the Nambucca Valley LGA for more than 40 years, dedicated to providing seniors with services that allow them to remain independent in their own homes.

We are a local organisation providing a diverse range of support for individuals, families and the community throughout their lifetime.

Ensuring we are up to date with the latest technologies and skills needed to support everyone within the community through the changes happening during 2017.

“Lifetime Connect is proud to play an active part in our communities, employing local people and providing a local voice on the end of the phone,” manager Ruth Hannagan said.

“Our mission and values reflect our commitment to walk alongside members of our community to develop the services and support that encourages people to be actively involved in maintaining

LIFETIME CONNECT: Providing seniors with in-home treatment.

PHOTO: BEV LACEY

their independence and wellbeing.

“We value and respect differences in culture and lifestyle and provide links to a broad range of services.”

Last year, Lifetime Connect merged with the Nambucca Valley Children’s Group, strengthening the range of services we offer ranging from in-home support for older people to playgroups and school readiness programs for children.

This includes a wide variety of community programs.

This creates not only opportunity for the

community to access a wider range of services from one local organisation, but also for Lifetime Connect to build pathways for staff and give options for diversifying roles within the organisation.

Lifetime Connects vision is to build strength in individuals, families and communities with a mission to provide quality and inclusive community based services that will enhance the lives of people in the community. Find out more, lifetimeconnect. org.au.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 23

Informed decisions You can now choose your own care provider Tracey Johnstone

HOME Care Packages changes to start on February 27, will revolutionise the aged care sector as providers are forced to be more competitive and clients have wider choices.

The most significant change to the program is its focus on the client and their freedom to compare and select a care provider as the HCP will now belong to the client, not the provider.

As result of this change there is an expectation that that the quality of care available will rapidly increase.

Home Instead care director Falon Newman said unfortunately, since the announcement of the changes, a lot of incorrect information had been circulating.

“It’s become more of a fear factor,” Ms Newman said.

She believes people need correct information so they are not fearful of the change.

An approved client’s HCP is portable which means providers will need to become competitive in their fee structure and more transparent.

“We are also looking at huge differences

between providers of up to seven hours per week of care.

“For anyone with a disability or high care needs, those seven hours could mean the difference of them staying at home long-term rather than having to go to residential,” she added.

A client can now choose a provider offering services that best suit the client and maximise the dollars available under the client’s package.

“Read the small print of the contract and question it,” Ms Newman recommends.

YOUR CHOICE: Home Instead's Falon Newman (far right) educating seniors about the positive changes to the Home Care Package program.

“There is also an Aged Care Complaints Commissioner they can go to.

“The big thing for

people to understand is that they are in control and that it’s all about them, and their choice.

“Do not feel pressured to choose a provider.

“Ask family member, GP or nurse for support,” Ms Newman said.

Hyperbaric treatment boosts cancer recovery

HAPPY PATIENT: A grateful Brian during his treatment.

GRAFTON’S Brian, 69, credits treatment at the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine in Brisbane with saving his life.

Brian was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate tumour in August 2009.

It was so bad his prostate was removed in February 2010.

The surgery worked, until his PSA levels rose at the end of the year and he underwent eight weeks of radiation to correct it.

All was well until January 2014, when he experienced blood clots

and blood in his urine, plus a constant pressure on his bladder and the need to go to the toilet frequently, and he knew something was wrong.

Brian and his wife researched potential solutions. Their internet search led them to hyperbaric treatment and an appointment with to the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine.

Patients are treated with 100% pure oxygen in a chamber set to an increased atmospheric pressure designed to boost oxygen levels in the blood stream and help

hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats •non-healing and infected wounds ulcers

•diabetic ulcers (prevention of amputation)

•anaerobic Bacterial infections

•radiation injury (bleeding, urgency from the bladder or bowel, dry mouth and radiation burns)

•Bone infections (osteomyelitis) •osteoradionecrosis (orn)

with healing.

Two weeks into treatment, Brian said he still had some bleeding and issues of frequency – then disaster hit.

He collapsed from blood loss at his hotel near the centre and was rushed into emergency.

A urologist was called, who diagnosed a ruptured blood vessel in his bladder. Surgery to seal off the area was performed and Brian restarted his hyperbaric treatment.

Brian underwent 39 “dives” in the chamber post-operation,

little to no out of pocket expense

during which time his bleed decreased and eventually stopped.

“I doubt I would be alive today if it wasn’t for the treatment,” Brian said.

Now, in 2017, Brian’s again fighting prostate cancer.

Despite the challenges, Brian said he is hopeful about the future and thankful for the extra time and quality of life hyperbaric treatment has given him.

For information on the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine: wesleyhyperbaric.com.au

travel subsidies available for nsW residents

treatments covered by most major health funds

Call our experts today on 07 3371 6033

Ground Floor Suite 53, Sandford Jackson Building, 30 Chasely Street, Auchenflower 6537088aa

24 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Dancing through life Be happy, be kind and keep on dancing says 90-year-old Joyce JOYCE Read recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She shares her story of dancing, travelling, and love at first sight...

“I was born in Greece and raised in Egypt, an only child to a doting mother. When I was 14 years old, I left school and began working in the store room for the British Army.

They asked me to dance for the troops two night per week. As an avid dancer, I jumped at the chance.

It was here, in Alexandria, Egypt, that I met the man of my dreams. Wally Read was a tall, blonde, blue-eyed soldier from Australia. It was love at first sight. We danced together, and I went home floating on cloud nine.

Six months later, we were set to marry, but Wally hadn’t sought

permission from my mother. When she found out, she hit the roof! But he was invited to dinner and thankfully won her over. I became his fiancée over a bowl of Greek chicken soup.

Unfortunately, the wedding was booked for 10 day’s time, and Wally’s transfer to Australia was in just three days. The morning of the wedding, MPs came looking for Wally. He hid in a cupboard until they left, and the wedding went ahead unhindered. We were married on a Saturday, and on Monday Wally returned to Australia. It was 13 months before I joined him, in March 1944.

I was one of the first World War II Greek war brides to come to Australia. Soon after, Wally was discharged and we settled blissfully into

FULL LIFE: Joyce Read, 90, shares her story of dancing, travelling, and love at first sight.

married life.

I’ve always loved to travel, so I consider myself incredibly lucky to have seen much of the world. Wally and I once travelled to Europe and

BE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

visited 14 countries. We made many treasured memories, which I held close to me when, during an adventure to Tasmania in 1988, Wally suddenly passed away.

Without him, I was lost… until I started dancing again. As it has always done, dance revitalised me, and I was able to keep on living.

My marriage to Wally

:

was my greatest accomplishment. It brought me not only happiness, but also four daughters, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren (at last count!).

My daughter stayed with me to celebrate my 90th birthday, and I was visited by my granddaughter and great-grandchildren. It was so lovely to see them all.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s simply to be kind.

I’ve always tried to support others, which makes it easier now to accept a bit of support myself. Home Nursing Group helps me with some of the heavier tasks around the home, but I am still independent. I manage my own washing and enjoy cooking my own meals; I still potter around my garden; I enjoy having this freedom to do as I please.

I think that I’m doing rather well at 90 — maybe it’s in my genes!”

AGED CARE IS CHANGING.

Now you have a choice who provides care in your home.

WE CAN HELP YOU. CALL US TODAY.

1300 698 693 exceptional care in your home

www.homenursinggroup.com.au

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Change of name but not Four service and expertise habits,

change your life

AGEING IN PLACE: Home and garden maintenance is available for the elderly and younger people with disabilities.

electricians for work involving safety and access issues, ie fixing/replacing faulty working, replacement of hot water service, our experienced team can be engaged to repair/replace entry/exit steps/ramps.

■ Allied Health for engagement of occupational therapists to provide home assessments and provide clinical prescriptions for minor and major modification work to ensure residents can remain safely at home, with environmental changes creating a suitable dwelling.

:

Product benefits Trust, safety and comfort. Promote independence for safely navigating your home, preventing accidents, enhancing wellness and performing tasks better, maintaining a sense of dignity, value adding to property.

Our core values Effective, reliable, responsible, enriching and caring.

Activities Balance and strength classes Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly newsletters, expos, a facebook page and website.

6530865aa

“FUNDAMENTALLY, the popular idea of ‘ageing in place’ requires a suitable dwelling for an ageing person to live in.”

This statement is the foundation of our Social purpose of East Coast Accessibility Experts “enabling people to live safely and independently at home and in their community the way they choose”.

What we do: ■ Home modification for our elders and younger people with disabilities and their carers, including, but not limited to: installation of grab rails, handheld showers, handrails, access wedges, door widening, furniture adjustments. lever taps, bidet installation, bathroom modification, kitchen modification, easy steps, access ramps and lifts.

■ Home maintenance for our elders and younger people with disabilities and their carers, includes engagement of specialist trades, ie plumbers,

East Coast Accessibility Experts

Formally Coffs Home Mods Easy Affordable Solutions for staying at home

We’ve changed our name

Home modifications, local, regional, domestic, industrial Home Maintenance & Lawn Mowing Occupational Therapy Assessments

JUST four good habits stand between you and the battle of the bulge.

These habits are easy to follow, healthy behaviours. You just need to make the choice to change to them.

■ Eat a breakfast, ■ Limit takeaway food to no more than once per week, ■ Take at least 10,000 steps every day, and ■ Watch no more than two hours of television per day.

Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania lead researcher, Dr Kylie Smith, said the study also showed it’s never too late to change.

While the research was conducted on men and women aged between 26–36, the outcomes could apply to

STEP UP: Start walking 10,000 steps or more every day to kick-start changing your life habits.

any age group.

Skipping breakfast as well as the type of foods consumed, was found to be associated with weight gain.

“A study of middle aged adults found those who consumed a higher percentage of their daily energy intake at breakfast had lower weight gain during the mean follow-up period of 3.7 years,” the study reported.

Eating takeaway food more than twice a week was also linked to weight gain as it associated with poorer diet quality.

Seniors 25

How often do we find ourselves in front of the TV, for hours on end, with a packet of chips or biscuits at our elbow?

So it’s not surprising researchers found TV viewing may be linked to weight gain through unhealthy consumption of snacks and increased exposure to advertising of unhealthy products.

“Food advertising can prime automatic eating behaviours and promote eating of products other than those being advertised.

Television advertisements have also been reported to increase desire to eat among overweight and obese individuals, but not healthy weight individuals.

Distracted eating is also a possibility, where individuals over-consume because they are not paying attention to what they are eating,” the report concluded.

“We found the recommendation of walking 10,000 steps per day was the least likely to be met,” Dr Smith said.

GRAFToN DISTRICT SERvICES ClUb

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COFFS HARBOUR

Contact no: (02) 6640 3200 • Email: info@gdsc.com.au 105-107 Mary Street, Grafton NSW 2460 Website: www.gdsc.com.au 6533503aa

26 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Tech Savvy Seniors Courses aim to keep seniors well connected on the web Tracey Johnstone

IT’S time to learn how to connect using the latest technology to gain access to a whole new and interesting world.

Telstra is coming to the NSW Seniors Festival party with their Tech Savvy Seniors courses, offered in various regional and metro locations across the state.

Digital ambassador and Tech Savvy Seniors training sessions will be held in selected regional NSW libraries with locations, dates and booking details listed on the NSW Seniors Festival website.

Telstra is also encouraging Seniors during the festival to check into its NSW metro and regional Telstra stores to learn about Telstra services and get help with any online problems they

are having.

The TSS program goal is to help seniors understand the internet and the newest in technology.

Telstra’s general manager digital inclusion, Nancie-Lee Robinson, said the key barriers to seniors connecting was skills and confidence, and taking the first step.

"Our program is really geared towards helping seniors understand why technology is relevant to them and giving them a nudge, or support, towards them taking the first step," Ms Robinson said.

"The tech-savvy program was built on three principles; demonstrating the relevance, show me how to do what I want to do and keep it simple."

Participants learn how to use computers and

SAVVY SENIORS: It's time to get connected with the help of the Telstra Tech-Savvy Seniors program.

PHOTO: VICKIYENPHOTO

phones before moving on to learning how to access online information and services so that they can improve social engagement, interaction and connection with

friends, families and the broader community.

The beginner courses introduce seniors to the internet, android tablets and iPads.

From there, the courses

focus on understanding and managing internet access costs, learning about staying safe online before taking seniors through everything they need to know about email,

smartphones, tablets, online shopping and banking and social media.

The next level up is where seniors learn how to share photos online and gain more in-depth knowledge about online banking and shopping.

Using hand-outs, videos and learning beside fellow seniors, the path to better knowledge can be smooth.

The Tech Savvy Seniors courses are hands-on, jargon free, suitable for a complete beginner or for someone with basic knowledge and paced to suit the learning ability of each group.

Even better, there are no tests at the end of any of the courses.

Most of the courses offered by local centres and councils are free or low-cost to attend. These courses really are all about helping seniors explore the newest communication tools.

Find out more, www.nsw seniorsweek.com.au.

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 27

Lifestyle options for retirement

Plans for facility expansion in the coming years

THE CLARENCE Village Ltd, a community-based, not-for-profit organisation with experience in the self-care retirement village sector and Residential Aged Care, provides quality affordable residential facilities to suit most seniors’ needs.

■ Clarence Village Self Care Retirement Village provides 73 one and two-bedroom independent units.

■ Clarence Village on Queen, 166 Queen St, provides one and two-bedroom rental units.

There aren’t any entry

contributions, exit fees, long-term contracts or hidden costs and freshly cooked meals. Small pets welcome.

■ Dougherty Villa, Residential Aged Care Facility, 54 single rooms with ensuites, including two respite rooms, 14-bed secure wing for specific care (dementia) needs, 24-hour care, a wide range of activities and all meals freshly cooked. We are actively planning for the future and propose to expand our facility in the next couple of years. As we progress down this

path we will keep the community informed of progress.

■ Clarence Village Gardens, 299 Queen St – new development: 21 two-bedroom duplex units, including five units which have two bedrooms plus a study.

Stage 1 of our new retirement village was completed on September 9 last year with Stage 2 completion due March 2017. All 21 units sold off the plan.

Come and talk with the CEO or village manager on 02 6642 5991, Joan Muir

Clarence Village is an affordable residential facility that will suit most seniors’ needs.

:

❝

We are actively planning for the future and propose to expand our facility in the next couple of years.

Community Centre, 194 Turf St, Grafton, weekdays until 2pm about options.

MAKE FRIENDS: Some of the new residents at Clarence Village.

Clarence

Village

Limited Where we make people the focus of everything we do…

Clarence Village on Queen provides rental accommodation for independent seniors within a safe, affordable and comfortable community.

IntroducIng

clarence VIllage gardens

retIrement VIllage

Clarence Village Dougherty Villa provides 24 hour care, laundry services, meals prepared and cooked on site, cleaning services and wide range of activities.

(02) 6642 5991 6530860aa

28 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Meet the festival Tracey Johnstone

AN ECLECTIC group of five ambassadors is encouraging all New South Wales seniors to do more together in March during the NSW Seniors Festival.

Robina Beard OAM, Reverend Dorothy McRae-McMahon, Kumar Pereira, Graham Ross and Aunty Sandra Lee are inspiring festival ambassadors, who have been drawn from all sections of the community.

Each of them shares with us what they are looking forward to most in their lives.

ROBINA BEARD OAM

FITNESS: Robina Beard OAM. PHOTOS: NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL

Ms Beard was Madge the manicurist in the Palmolive dish-washing liquid television commercial of the 1970s.

“What I’m looking forward to is being able to teach lots of people in my exercise classes and my tap dancing class to have a great joy of life, to love dancing and to get to

Kumar Pereira is known for his time on MasterChef.

know their bodies and keep looking after them,” she said.

REV DOROTHY MCRAE-MCMAHON

Rev McRae-McMahon has worked in international aid and community development.

In 1997 she came out as a lesbian and led a successful campaign to have homosexual ministers accepted in the Uniting Church.

“The thing I look forward to most in my life is working with volunteers,

Aunty Sandra Lee is passionate about preserving and celebrating Aboriginal culture.

especially for the free local paper, which we produce, the South Sydney Herald, for the inner city of Sydney,” she said.

KUMAR PEREIRA

Mr Pereira became a household name in Australia in 2011 thanks to MasterChef.

seniors

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 29

ambassadors GRAHAM ROSS VMM

Mr Ross has been sharing his tips and passion for gardening for 50 years.

He started the Garden Clinic radio show on 2GB and then joined the television series Better Homes and Gardens in 1995.

“I am looking forward to growing something I can eat and, even better, share,” he said.

AUNTY SANDRA LEE

Graham Ross loves to share his knowledge and passion for gardening.

He volunteers, teaching the disadvantaged and seniors with disability to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals.

“I am looking forward to teaching even more people, particularly the seniors, to do the same,” he said.

Aunty Sandra is a Boorooberongal, Darug elder and traditional owner, who was born in Blacktown and is passionate about preserving the heritage and culture of the Darug people for all Australians to share.

“My people have been here for thousands of years,” she said.

“What I would like to do next year is to work with the Aboriginal people in Blacktown, Mt Druitt and help them to trace their families back as far as they can go.”

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The ambassadors are tasked with encouraging seniors to participate in the festival.

Festival spokesperson Lee Huuskes said, “They will do this primarily through promoting the campaign’s key messages and its values through the media and sharing their skills, experiences, stories and tips.”

He expects festival visitors will get the chance to enjoy the company of the ambassadors at a number of events.

The 59th NSW Seniors Festival is on from March 3–12.

Across the state there will be a range of art, music, entertainment, recreation, sport and health events that encompass this year’s themes of staying connected, contributing to the community, living active and healthy lives, getting involved in multicultural, intergeneration and lifestyle events and continuing to learn.

Reverend Dorothy McRae-McMahon works with volunteers.

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30 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Making active normal GET wet or stay dry, or do both at one of the 23 Staying Active centres throughout NSW, which are offering activities specifically designed to get over 50s moving as part of their normal daily program.

As long as they are reasonably active, anyone can participate in the exercises being offered under the program, which is funded by NSW Health.

Aquatic and Recreational Institute executive officer Louise Magee said the Staying Active program activities range from aqua aerobics and water workouts to gentle exercise circuits and land-based circuit classes, walking groups and more.

“It depends on each facility and what they have access to in terms of their own facilities on site,” Ms Magee said.

In some cases, the centres will also run some classes down the road at the local hall.

“These classes are breaking down the barrier of the assimilated age group.

“They all love being in a group, among their peers rather than going to the gym and rocking up where there could be 20-somethings wearing their leotards and six-packs,” Ms Magee said.

Men are actively encouraged to join in.

If they don’t want to put on their Speedos and join the aqua aerobics, there are always other choices such as gym-based activities.

In several centres, NSW Health’s funding supports staff training in conducting age-specific classes for seniors so they can offer exercises appropriate to a specific age group.

The Staying Active program also encourages centres to get social with events often held at least one a month.

“In a lot of cases they

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They all love being in a group, among their peers rather than going to the gym.

OVER 50S: NSW Health want residents to make good health, a normal part of their life.

PHOTO: AQUATIC AND RECREATIONAL INSTITUTE

will get guest speakers, nutritionists, occupational therapists, people from beyondblue, just talking

about the various issues that this generation are faced with,” Ms Magee added.

The cost of participation varies across the centres.

The average cost is

about $9 per class and seniors discount applies said Ms Magee.

All funded centres are encouraged to offer sustainable programs that can provide an ongoing revenue source for the centre and longevity of this healthy initiative.

Ms Magee reports since the program was started six months ago there has been an uptake in participation numbers across most centres showing over 50s want to good health to be a part of their lives.

To find a venue in your local area: arinsw.com.au or www.activeandhealthy. nsw.gov.au.

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Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 31

Aids for aged care AT THE Aged Care Store, we specialise in providing daily living aids to help you or your loved one stay independent for longer.

We carry the most popular and trusted brands in aged care living to ensure that you will find exactly what you are looking for.

“I was having a cup of tea with a neighbour, who is managing pretty alright for an 80-year-old male.

But what I noticed as he sipped on his tea was that his hand was shaking. It was at that point that I realised, I had overfilled the cup with hot liquid, but most importantly, he needed to use both hands to steady the cup, before it landed in his lap!

I started to think what if he was trying to make himself a cup of tea, how would he pour the hot water from the kettle into the cup, especially given he was struggling to even lift his cup to his mouth.

Like me I bet that you hadn’t even thought about this! I’m also guessing that you might not even be aware that two handled

mugs exist. Genius right?

Two handles for each hand, protecting each hand from the hot mug, also providing extra strength to lift the mug.

What about a kettle tipper stand?

Great gadget, no need to lift a hot kettle. Two very simple tools that can make a simple task simple again.”

The range of aids includes: ■ Daily Living Aids Here at the Aged Care Store we aim to make your life easier.

Our Daily Living Aids make tasks like making a cup of tea easy again.

Take a look at our kettle tipper and dignity mug!

Just two products that could make your day better.

■ Mobility Range We have a variety of options to make sure you can get out about and remain an active member within the community.

■ Patient Care Range If you are providing in-home care this range will make care at home

KEEPING IT SIMPLE: Live freely at any age with daily living aids.

just that little bit easier for you.

■ Orthotics Range To keep your feet comfortable.

■ Braces and Supports To ensure that you have

no excuse to remain active. If you are suffering from arthritis we also have a range of suitable supports to help ease some pain.

PHOTO: CATHY YEULET

■ Exercise and Therapy Range To help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Everyone should have the chance to remain independent in the

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Live freely without worry with dependable aged care products www.agedcarestore. com.au.

Apple stores offer product learning for free

FREE Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod lessons are available every day in-store in Apple stores across Australia.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

APPLE is a big, shiny, easily recognisable brand that lives in the homes and pockets of Australia.

Its stores are the perfect place to discover how to use the latest release Apple products whether it’s a Mac, iPad or iPhone.

In every Apple store on every day, its team offers seniors up to five free workshops for all

experience levels.

The introductory workshops on offer are: iPhone Basics Lean the new features of you first or latest iPhone, and pick up a few helpful tips and tricks. iPad Basics Learn the basics of your iPad and discover helpful tips and tricks.

Accessibility Basics: Using iPad and iPhone

with Hearing Loss iOS10 offers assisted technologies to help those people who are deaf or hard of hearing, communicate and enjoy more content.

The workshop introduces iPad and iPhone features like FaceTime, LED Flash for Alerts, and vibrating alerts.

Accessibility Basics:

Using iPad and iPhone with Vision Loss Using larger dynamic type for larger text and magnifier to make an object easier to see, people with vision loss will learn how to use an iPad and iPhone.

Stay Healthy with iPhone Learn about tracking calories, exercise goals and sleep patterns with

the iPhone Health app.

Other workshops on offer are staying connected, introduction to Apple ID and iCloud, Mac basics, iPhone photography, discovering Apple music, To find out more about the free in-store workshops and where and when they are being held, go to www.apple. com.au/retail/learn.

At the Aged Care Store we specialise in providing daily living aids to help you or your loved one stay independent for longer.

We carry the most popular and trusted brands in aged care living to ensure that you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Check out our: • Daily Living Aids - Here at the Aged Care Store we aim to make your life easier! Our Daily Living Aids make tasks like making a cup of tea easy again. Take a look at our kettle tipper and dignity mug! Just two products that could make your day better.

• Mobility Range we have a variety of options to make sure you can get out about and remain an active member within the community; • Patient Care Range if you are providing in-home care this range will make care at home just that little bit easier for you; • Orthotics Range to keep your feet comfortable; • Braces and Supports to ensure that you have no excuse to remain active. If you are suffering from Arthritis we also have a range of suitable supports to help ease some pain; • Exercise & Therapy Range to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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32 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Innovative insurance product for over 50s FUTUREWELL Independence Insurance is excited to announce the launch of a new insurance product specifically designed to cater for the care needs of Australians aged 50 and over.

It is the first insurance product in Australia designed specifically to enable older claimants to receive cash benefits that can pay for care while they are alive.

Usually products for this target group such as funeral insurance plans will pay only upon death.

This new product offers consumers a viable alternative or supplement to existing funeral policies.

FutureWell Independence Insurance was developed by Future Well Insurance Pty Ltd and

it is issued by AIA Australia.

The insurance helps provide policy holders with the financial freedom to make choices about care solutions and other related costs, in the event of a chronic health condition caused by sickness or accident, or a defined accidental serious injury.

The product also offers a death benefit to help clear final expenses.

It is estimated that more than 8 million people in Australia are aged over 50 years, and while Australians are living longer than in previous generations, the infrastructure is unprepared for the repercussions: “Australians now have to look at a range of

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FutureWell Independent Insurance offers claimants the financial freedom to spend their benefits on the most suitable care solutions for them.

STRESS FREE: Discover financial freedom and care solutions.

options if they wish to have choice, control and flexibility on services specific to ageing,” explains Grant Thomas,

managing director at Future Well.

Research conducted by FutureWell in 2016 found that many Australians are

worried about the physical, social, logistical and financial impacts of caring for themselves or ageing loved ones.

Besides wanting to receive care in their own home, remaining independent and not becoming a burden on their partner and family, one of the key concerns mentioned is the desire to be in control of their care plan.

“FutureWell Independent Insurance

offers claimants the financial freedom to spend their benefits on the most suitable care solutions for them.

This could be in-home care such as domestic support, personal care or home nursing, home modifications, or mobility equipment – really anything they wish,” said Mr Thomas.

Australians interested in FutureWell Independence Insurance can apply over the phone, if they are aged between 50 and 69 years.

Once the policy is in place, if they continue to pay their premiums, they can hold the policy for the rest of their lives.

To find out more information, website: www.futurewell.com.au or phone 02 8222 6140.

FutureWell Independence Insurance A new insurance product designed to help pay for care if you suffer a chronic sickness or injury and you can’t look after yourself. ✓ Apply between 50 – 69 years ✓ Covered for life, subject to premiums being maintained ✓ Stay at home longer ✓ Help pay for care

Call 1800 50 70 70 to learn more or visit futurewell.com.au/seniors FutureWell Independence Insurance is distributed by Future Well Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 46 613 222 110) an Authorised Representative of Peakbound Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 93 610 565 207, AFSL 488 411) and issued by AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861, AFSL 230 043). This is general information only. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement available at futurewell.com.au in deciding whether to acquire or continue to hold FutureWell Independence Insurance.

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Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 33

Hypotheticals for Seniors

Living

By Manny Wood Solicitor

An enduring power of attorney is a document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your finances. It normally includes the power to buy and sell assets on your behalf and access your bank account. It is a very powerful but important document.

In terms of estate planning, an enduring power of attorney normally contains a condition that it only comes into effect if a medical practitioner confirms, in writing, that you are unable to manage your affairs.

John and Jane are aware of the importance of a power of attorney. They visit a solicitor and put in place powers of attorney appointing each other.

Unfortunately, they are not advised to consider appointing substitute attorneys in the event both of them lack capacity.

When John unfortunately passes away, Jane deteriorates and is soon unable to manage her affairs. By this time, Jane has lost the capacity to appoint an attorney to act on her behalf and a solicitor is unable to sign the requisite certificate confirming that she understands the document. Jane has now missed the opportunity to make a new power of attorney.

Gail Forrer

IN MY cyber travels looking for interesting ‘‘embracing ageing’ news, I came across these futurist designs for the older adult.

The exhibition (held between mid-January to mid-February) looked at how design can help people lead fuller, healthier and more rewarding lives into old age, asking the question: How can designers meet the challenge of a rapidly ageing society? From robotic clothing to driverless cars, the exhibition rethought how design approached ageing.

Curated by Jeremy Myerson and Royal College of Art Professor of Design Helen Hamlyn, and sponsored by the Helen

Hamlyn Trust and AXA PPP healthcare, the exhibition was organised into six sections – Ageing, Identity, Home, Community, Working and Mobility.

Each section of the exhibit featured a special design commission by a leading designer or design team, creating new solutions for demographic change as well as addressing the challenges of ages.

New projects included designs by Yves Béhar /fuseproject, Konstantin Grcic, Future Facility, Special Projects, IDEO and Priestman Goode.

The show, NEW OLD, examined how innovation and design can reimagine how we live the later stages of our lives.

See more at: https://designmuseum.

PHOTOS ■ (Top) Head in the Sky

by Konstantin Grcic.

This zinc galvanised-mesh structure offers a secluded outdoor space for working and thinking, particularly for those who do not want to retreat into their own private domain.

The ramped access is intended to symbolise a departure from age stereotypes, while the lack of roof is designed to "give thoughts free rein".

■ (Bottom left) Scooters.

The scooter has a trolley-like storage compartment designed to make it easier for people with limited mobility to get around.

Based on the micro scooter popular with children and young people, the product not

only offers support, but also encourages older people to stay physically active for longer.

This scooter was designed by London studio PriestmanGoode.

■ (Bottom right) Aura Power Suit.

Responsive garments

by Yves Béhar's studio Fuseproject feature "electric muscles" that assist elderly wearers to walk, stand up and climb stairs.

This lightweight fabric garment incorporates motors, sensors and artificial intelligence, providing support for the wearer's torso hips and legs.

It is designed to make it easier to get up, sit down or stand for long periods of time.

Jane’s only son has no alternative but to seek orders from the Guardianship division of NCAT, so he is able to manage her affairs.

The process is stressful and invasive and results in the NSW Trustee and Guardian overseeing his role as financial manager.

To Do List: Put in place or review your Enduring Power of Attorney.

Manny Wood is an accredited specialist in wills and estates. He is the only accredited specialist in wills and estates practicing in the Coffs Harbour and Clarence region.

If you would like Manny to address a legal issue, send your request to manny.wood@ticliblaxland.com.au or call him on (02) 6648 7487.

TicliBlaxlandLawyers Established for over 70 years

PO Box 28, Grafton Street Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Phone: (02) 6648 7487 45 | Fax: (02) 6651 1478 www.ticliblaxland.com.au

“Get the Right Advice”

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Design age for a fabulous future

The family home is no longer suitable and needs to be sold for Jane to relocate.

She now lacks the capacity to sign the contract.

34 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Finance

Strategies counter change THE changes to the aged pension asset test are driving pensioners towards looking for innovative ways to protect themselves from losing out as the tests come into play.

Financial planner Liam Shorte of Verante Pty Ltd, says the feedback from within the community is the changes are hitting middle-income earners who believe this Federal Government cost-saving measure should be applied to companies and people with more wealth, not them.

“There is a lot of bad feeling among the people who have been affected, basically because a lot of them planned their retirements around what they could expect from the aged pension plus their own money,” Mr

Helping Pensioners navigate the aged pension assest test Shorte said.

“It’s such a huge difference. For every $1000 you reduce your assessable assets by, you can get $78 extra pension per year. That’s a 7.8% return if you can use the $1000 to improve your wealth rather than give it away,” he said.

STRATEGIES

Mr Shorte offered the following strategies to help pensioners through the aged pension assets test maze: ■ Contribute to superannuation in the name of a spouse if they are under age pension age. Putting $50,000 in superannuation could increase your single pension by nearly $4000

per year until your spouse qualifies for the age pension.

■ Purchase funeral bonds as a person is allowed to invest up to $12,250 into funeral bonds to cover funeral costs and the investment is asset test exempt. For a couple both taking up the maximum funeral bond, it could provide an increased age pension of $1911 per year.

■ Making improvements to the principal home – funds spent on home improvements and renovations are not assessed against your pension.

For example, spending $12,000 on a solar system will pay back over 10 to 15 years, but also mean up to $938 extra in

pension income each year per person.

■ Review the value of motor cars, caravans, trailers, bikes, contents and personal effects.

■ Look to pay for the big cruise or overseas trip in advance – ask for a discount for doing so or an upgrade.

Improve your income Charge board and lodging – some people in bigger homes are looking to make up for the loss in age pension by renting out a room.

You could say rent out a room and charge $150 per week for the room which includes breakfast.

Centrelink’s default position is that 50% of that $120 per week is treated as additional income (about $3900 per

year). The remaining 50% is assumed by Centrelink as required to cover costs such as utilities, food, etc.

If the costs were higher than the 50%, then a submission to Centrelink could see that 50/50 standard approach being adjusted.

If you are an asset-based part-pensioner, the additional $3900 does not further impact your pension.

Gifting This is not something I recommend often as it seems a bit silly to give away capital to get some income.

However, if you have planned to help family, then maybe you should think about transferring

the money early.

The allowable gifting limit for both singles and couples is $10,000 per financial year, limited to $30,000 per five financial years.

If the total of gifts made in a financial year exceeds $10,000 the excess will be assessed as a deprived asset for five years from the date of the gift and will be subject to Centrelink’s means test.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Mr Shorte says he gives clients some strategies to think about and then he sends them to a Centrelink financial information service officer.

Mr Shorte encourages pensioners to try to use all the services for their situation.

Linda Explains Managing your retirement income

The value of financial advice For you, the reality of Centrelink’s changes to the assets tests may now be impacting your cashflow and this is a real concern. It is important to understand how a higher draw down from your assets can impact your overall retirement objectives over the long term.

There may be opportunities to help reduce this impact and some of the options you may want to consider with your financial adviser include: • Budgeting, reducing expenditure • Assets test reduction strategies • Alternative income stream products • Pros & cons of downsizing your home

CHOICES: For retirees finding it tough to meet the cost of living, a reverse mortgage may be worth considering.

The ASFA Retirement Standard benchmarks the annual budget needed to fund either a comfortable or modest standard of living and is updated quarterly.

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For a couple this is $59,619 and $34,560 pa respectively. For a single this is $43,372 and $23,996 pa respectively. (www.superannuation.asn.au/resources/ retirement-standard) Exploring your options now is a start to providing peace of mind now and into the future.

Be aware of pitfalls of reverse loans

For more info call Linda at Kerry Albert & Co 02 6652 1202 Count Coffs Harbour Pty Ltd (ABN 96 003 523 653) and Linda Ingleby are Authorised Representatives Count Financial Ltd ABN 19 001 974 625 AFSL 227232

THE latest round of figures showing rising home values mean many Australian retirees could have a valuable resource.

For senior Australians home equity can be a source of retirement income.

It’s all thanks to reverse mortgages – a financial product that allows homeowners, usually aged 60-plus, to draw on

THINK MONEY PAUL CLITHEROE home equity with loan funds secured by their home.

No repayments are necessary with a reverse mortgage, at least while

you live in the place.

Interest charges and fees are added to the loan balance with the total to be repaid when the property is sold or the last borrower has passed away.

It’s an option for asset-rich, cash-poor seniors to boost retirement cash. But reverse mortgages do have downsides.

For some retirees , a reverse mortgage may be worth considering. But it is an area where legal and financial advice is essential.

Paul Clitheroe is a founding director of financial planning firm ipac, Chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board and chief commentator for Money Magazine.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Travel

Seniors 35

Travellin’ North tips FED up with the “no vacancy” signs that popped up around Queensland this summer? Then you need to read this list. We've scoured the state, looked under and around the tourism giants and found eight simmering holiday hotspots that we think will trend right through 2017.

MARY VALLEY: A NEW SPOT FOR A SEMI-CENTENNIAL

Hip. Hip. Hooray. The Sunshine Coast turns 50 this year and the birthday surprises are rolling in.

Move aside Montville and Maleny, Mary Valley – a hill or two (or three) north and 35 minutes west of Noosa – is quietly inching up our hot list. The valley is home to a handful of tiny towns with fancy names like Imbil and Amamoor, a towering Hoop Pine State Forest with trees that cast a fairy tale quality over bush walkers below, a river made for platypus spotting and a sprinkling of country quaint B&Bs. Brew is in the heart of this region and we recommend The Blue & White Teapot at Amamoor for a cup of leaf tea in their magical garden or nip east to Pomona's Bonsai Brewhouse and taste craft beer made out the back of the town's original bakery.

TOOWOOMBA, TAPPED BY THE WAGNER WAND

Toowoomba has a fairy

Godmother and her name is Wagner. In one masterful wave of the Wagner wand (the Wagner family is the force behind the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport), Australia's second largest regional city has stirred from its rural rest into a hip haunt dotted with funky eateries, a shiny new shopping centre and a new hot spot for Sydney visitors. Yes, there's still heritage homes spilling on to graceful streets but now you can get a bustling food scene combined with Melbourne style laneways (complete with Melbourne style graffiti). Check out the Walton Stores precinct, head to Full of Life Organics for the best chai latte in Southern Queensland Country or meander around more than 55 street art murals.

PALM BEACH: A NEW GAME FAVOURITE

South of the revamped Pacific Fair and the rejuvenated Burleigh Beach lies Palm Beach, a seven-kilometre long suburb and of the newest coastal foodie precincts.

Three new outlets have joined the already popular Jimmy Hendrix-inspired Hendrixx Espresso and American barbecue-style eatery, Lester and Earl.

Experience The Collective, a 300-seat co-operative dining space with five restaurants, made up of Mexican, Italian, American, Asian and modern Australian

QUEENSLAND PLACES: Moreton Island.

cuisines, and two grand bar areas. A post office transformed, The Collective's rustic décor and rooftop bar take on a city-slicker appearance, underpinned by a laid-back beachside ambiance. Meanwhile Balboa Italian has a modern influence menu to mirror its industrial glam interior. Think exposed brick paired with grand chandeliers, a glass charcuterie cabinet, a wood-fired pizza oven and aromas that demand salivation. The restaurant seats 120 diners over two-stories and brags dough balls smeared in Nutella. More Grand Designs-worthy décor can be seen at 8th Ave Terrace where beach views come with alfresco dining.

restaurants, wi-fi connection and the 24/7 service once associated with the original branded property; in its place is a communal kitchen and a do-it-yourself attitude.

Guests need to bring their own food (pre-order with Whitsundays Provisioning) and cook their own meals. Thankfully, there is a licensed bar at the resort, so the main holiday staples are taken care of.

Those not into self-service vacays, should check out the Heart Hotel & Gallery in the heart of Airlie Beach.

Built in a Queenslanderstyle with high-pitched roofs, spacious verandas, and timber cladding, this five-star hotel has butler service to rooms.

Opening rates from $200–$325 per night.

LONG ON ISLAND, SHORT ON MONEY

MISSION BEACH

Glamping is so old fashioned now that Palm Bay Resort on Long Island in the Whitsundays has introduced a save and splurge getaway that we think travellers will take to like the proverbial duck.

Gone are the table d'hote

Mission has always been on the cusp of the next best thing, but a couple of climactic setbacks snookered this town back into the shadows. No longer. Aside from the classic travel staples like the nearby Paronella Park, Tully River Rafting, and

Ingan Tours, local girl Nancy Lowe has launched a new dive tour on the 60-foot Sea Goddess (formerly a Hayman Island luxury transfer vessel) to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Beaver Cay and Eddie Reef. Here you can see the reef in its natural state: no pontoon, no semi-sub, no roped-off areas and at one site, a bommie as big as a boat.

THE REAL POT OF GOLD

Rainbow Beach. It's the seaside town that time forgot. With a population that barely scrapes 1100, this ridiculously cute beach village is a hot spot for those yearning for a holiday of yesteryear. Hire a whole beach house or stay in the very stylish beachfront Plantation Resort or Oceans Palm Resort. Just make sure you save time for sand tobogganing the dunes of the Carlo Sandblow, 4WD along the sandy highway and a spot of skydiving.

THERE'S MORE TO MORETON

There's so much more to Moreton Island than feeding dolphins and exploring wrecks. Take a Bear Grylls-style adventure to this untouched paradise, where 48 hours of beachfront accommodation is cheaper than your weekly caffeine addiction. A short 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane's doorstep, here you can

unpack your campsite a stone's throw from the white silica sand and blue ombre water, and BYO footy, snorkel kit, fishing rod and cricket set. Set aside time for a sunset from the sand dunes. The journey up is tough – but still less heart pumping than the seven second sand surf back down. If epic 4WD quests are your kind of thing, take the path less travelled and follow 420km of sealed island track.

WINE NOT HEAD FOR THE HILLS

It's the coldest Queensland town in winter, but Stanthorpe is a mecca for local-grown produce. From cherries to apples and olives, this quaint town of 4200 is a picnic lover's dream. First stop: Stanthorpe Cheese, the highest dairy farm above sea level in Queensland at 925 metres, where each one of their artisan cheeses are produced by one herd of pure-bred Jersey cows.

Stock up on fresh fruit, like your own hand-picked apples from Sutton's Farm, before gathering remaining essentials at Sam's Fruit Shop.

Australia's highest wine region is the Granite Belt, where six five-star wineries (as awarded by expert James Halliday) provide the finest drops in Queensland. The next steps go as follows: taste the range, buy a bottle (or three) and park yourself amongst the vines for a hillside picnic.

for All your

travel needs!

AirfAres, pAckAges, cruises speciAl interest tours!

Ph 02 6651 1555 • Email: coffs@quadrantaustralia.com • www.quadrantaustralia.com

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36 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

travel

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

PICTURE-POSTCARD: The view of the famous Amalfi Coast with beautiful Gulf of Salerno, Campania, Italy.

PHOTO: BLUEJAYPHOTO

Everyone should see Italy once in their life Ann Rickard

ITALY is one of the countries on the bucket lists of so many travellers – even though it has suffered a number of heartbreaking disasters lately.

But intrepid seniors do not let a potential calamity of nature turn them off their travel plans, do they?

Everyone should see Italy just once if it is possible within time and budget restraints.

The first time you visit Rome and set eyes on the coliseum will be in your memory forever.

The same goes for St Peter’s. Even if the Trevi Fountain is packed with tourists, and it will be, and you will find it hard to snap a selfie without a dozen others in the

background, and you will, it won’t take away from the spine-tingling thrill that you are there, right there at this world famous landmark.

The first time I entered the Plazza del Campo, the historic centre of Siena in Tuscany, I experienced a feeling of mouth slack.

My jaw dropped considerably, not quite to the ground, but it definitely dropped as I took in the sight of arguably Europe’s most renowned medieval square.

The breathtaking architecture of the shell-shaped piazza, the soaring Torre del Mangia, that slender tower rising from the square, the Fonta Gaia, the fountain that first brought water to the

square, halted me on the spot.

Our Siena visit was just days before the famous Palio di Siena, the bare-back horse race around the periphery of the piazza where thousands of people cram

many celebrations with groups of young men draped in brilliant colours, carrying flags, beating drums.

We sat at one of the cafes around the edge of the square for aperitvo and tried to keep our jaws

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My jaw dropped considerably, not quite to the ground, but it definitely dropped as I took in the sight of arguably Europe’s most renowned medieval square. into every centimetre of space on the ground and hang off the surrounding balconies to watch and cheer.

There was much ceremony and colour during our pre-Palio visit,

from gaping too much at the splendour of it.

The first time on the Amalfi Coast was another jaw-dropping experience.

The huddled towns of Positano and Amalfi clinging to the cliffs, the

death-defying ride on the local buses around the hairpin bends of the coastal mountains that plunge to the sea, it was all so thrilling, despite the hundreds of steps up and down to the beach allowed us to eat and drink more.

There is always a positive side.

The Cinque Terra was another first that offered a buzz beyond words as we walked along the cliff faces to each of the five villages, wondering if we had the stamina to walk on to the next.

We did, but only after fortifying gin and tonics.

Even though it took an entire day and there was much climbing and puffing and cursing along the Cinque Terra towards the last town of Monterosso, it was one of the most unforgettable experiences

of all our travels.

Now if I am fortunate to visit the Cinque Terra again, I would take the train or boat between villages – a much more senior-friendly option.

Florence is another Italian joy never to be forgotten.

Ensure you reserve your tickets before you go to the Uffizi Gallery in the Piazza della Signoria and avoid the endless queue.

It is worth it just to stand before Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.

The same ticket-savvy rule applies to the Accademia Gallery where you will stand beneath a naked David and hold your breath in enthralment.

Stay as long as time and money will permit.

You will want to get the most out of every minute in this brilliant land.

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

travel

Coffs and Clarence

Seniors 37

Dance a grand waltz with a golden empire Ah, the sight of marble, crystal and gold in the ballrooms

By Erle Levey

AN INTOXICATING world of imperial glamour. A place of such grandeur that it rivals Paris.

Vienna … one of the world’s most liveable cities.

You can see why it’s called the capital of the world when you visit the parliament, dedicated to the Greek philosophy of government.

Monumental public buildings and grand mansions, marble, crystal and gold in the ballrooms of palaces built by the richest of the rich.

Yet they could be seen as the last waltz of the Habsburg Empire that ruled Austria from the late 1200s to the end of World War I, at many times dominating much of Europe.

What surprises you is the display of majestic buildings and parks, the heritage of music, art and literature.

The reflection of the power of the Habsburgs, particularly in the 1400s and 1500s then in the 1800s … right up to the final days of World War I. That is what you first have trouble coming to terms with, especially having come from a country such as Australia that has had barely 200 years of western civilisation but been inhabited for more than 30,000 years by the Aboriginals.

Looking at it in this way Europe is relatively new when measured against the oldest of continents and cultures. Yet this heady mix of history and culture is inspiring, intoxicating.

Vienna owes much of its international fame to the many celebrated composers who lived and worked here including Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the world’s best, the Staatsoper one of the world’s leading opera houses, the Vienna Boys’ Choir one the world’s most famous.

Then there is the art – it’s everywhere. In parks and galleries, on the streets and the walls of buildings.

One of the traditions is to sit and relax at the one of the many coffee houses for which Vienna is famous. Café Central was where great philosophers would gather to discuss their ideas. It opened in 1876 and became a key meeting place of the Viennese intellectual scene.

The home of thinkers, artists and writers exchanging radical ideas.

Trotsky, Lenin, Stalin used to meet there and play chess. Freud as well.

Indeed, no visit to Vienna would be complete with a visit to a café. The Wiener melange (Viennese blend) is a specialty coffee, similar to cappuccino – black with whipped milk.

Vienna coffee house etiquette has an unwritten rule that a cup lets you linger. There among, stands of newspapers and magazines to browse through, you can contemplate the wider world.

The food is from all over, mixed together but a bit crumbly. Perhaps it’s a metaphor for the old Habsburg Empire.

Today’s cityscape is characterised by the abundance of baroque buildings created mostly under the rule of Empress Maria Theresia and Emperor Franz Joseph who was largely responsible for the monumental architecture round the Ringstrasse.

This five kilometre-long grand boulevard circles the city centre and gives structure to what was a walled settlement dating back to Roman days.

You will never be short of some things to do in this glorious city. It’s about getting out and discovering what is there, not relying on being shown the sights from a bus.

Music, arts, quirky coffee houses. People, places, all for the discovery in Vienna.

Schloss Schönbrunn, the former imperial summer residence, is one of the most popular sights. The sumptuous palace with the beautifully tended formal gardens, the Gloriette monument, the Palm House, and the zoo attract hordes of visitors each year.

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Today’s cityscape is characterised by the abundance of baroque buildings ...

The huge Hofburg (Imperial Palace)is an impressive repository of culture and heritage. It was the base of the Habsburgs for more than six centuries.

The splendid baroque Belvedere Palace today houses the Österreichische Galerie (Austrian Gallery) displaying the largest collection of works by Klimt and Kokoschka as well as famous paintings

by Schiele.

It was on the initiative of Gustav Klimt and other artists that the Moderne Galerie was founded in 1903, the institution that has evolved into the Belvedere. The aim was to create a place for contemporary Austrian art and to present this in an international context.

The collection’s undisputed highlight is Klimt’s world-famous masterpiece the Kiss (Lovers), a depiction of lovers locked together in an embrace.

Covering a surface of almost four square metres and painted in

1908, it was passionate yet considered appalling at the time.

It embodies the temperament of the turn of the century.

The Belvedere holds the world’s largest collection of oil paintings by this iconic artist, including another masterpiece from his Golden Period, Judith.

Vienna’s prime landmarks are the gothic Stephansdom (St Stephen’s Cathedral) and the Spanish Riding School with their world-famous Lipizzaner horses.

After World War II Vienna was divided into four, like Berlin, which is where the classic post-war movie The Third Man originated.

Set in the cobbled streets, the sewers and the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater, Vienna’s old recreational park, it starred Orson Wells and Joseph Cotton.

The Third Man walking tour is regarded as one of the best you can do, but bookings are naturally heavy.

Vienna is where you can

enjoy a beer at a boutique hotel, a beer cellar or a festival in the Prater.

It is also where you contemplate the life rafts used by refugees fleeing the war-torn Middle East or Northern Africa, now arranged on the lake in front of the Belvedere Palace and its many art treasures.

Then there is the conundrum that is the hundreds of numbers computing in the mirrored walls of the Karlsplatz underpass. What do they mean – the number of shares being traded on the stock exchange, the number of stars in the sky, the calculation of Pi? Vienna is one of the world’s most liveable cities. But why?

A public transport system that is the envy of the world. Less stress perhaps.

Life isn’t easy anywhere in today’s world yet it’s easier with a roof over your head, especially one that doesn’t break the bank.

Housing costs in Vienna are influenced by an

innovative social housing program. It was commenced during the "red era" of the city council in the early 20th century.

A continuous building program, still in operation for almost 100 years and of which the citizens are proud, ensures that a supply of apartments is available. Rents are affordable.

Coupled with an efficient and inexpensive transport system, this enables workers to thrive without those huge investments in a house and vehicle.

By dodging those two large investments there would be money and time to enjoy all that Vienna and surrounds has to offer.

Vienna is a city for all seasons, a city for all reasons.

There is no monarchy now in Austria yet many like to keep the old family names from the days when it was the heart of Europe … mainly for booking tickets to the theatre and at restaurants.

38 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Regional city culture Phil Hawkes

BENDIGO, Victoria. Best known for its 19th Century Gold Rush history, its Chinese Museum and unique Bendigo Pottery.

And maybe the famous Shamrock Hotel with its wide verandas peering down on the main street delightfully called “Pall Mall”… the early colonial settlers certainly had a sense of humour. Irish, no doubt.

But what of today’s Bendigo? We decided to find out for ourselves, so after driving less than two hours from Melbourne we’re sauntering along Pall Mall observing the rejuvenated heritage listed buildings as well as a smattering of more recent architecture, and lots of green space.

Surprisingly, some trendy boutiques and streetside cafés as well.

First impressions are important, and it seems to be a relaxed visitorfriendly place.

So far so good. Next we check in at a new hotel, the Schaller Studio not far away (in fact next to the hospital) and are

Bendigo has preserved history and moved with the modern immediately struck by the artwork and sculptures dominating the entire building, including all the guest rooms. It’s like walking into a gallery of modern art, plus a studio section in the lobby where guests (and their children) can use the provided art materials and even attend art classes.

Mark Schaller, after whom the hotel is named, is a contemporary Victorian artist well known as one of the founders of the expressionist group, Roar Studios.

Schaller says: “Bendigo is really romantic…the vibrant art centre for regional Victoria… (growing) into a unique destination for art lovers around the world”.

The Bendigo Art Gallery is proof of this. With its long history dating back to 1887 and modern, well-lit extensions, it’s arguably Australia’s finest gallery outside a capital city.

Another example of an arts-related project

embraced by the community is the Ulumbarra Theatre complex. Built in and around the bones of the 1860s Sandhurst Prison, this is as attractive an arts venue as we’ve found anywhere. There’s a busy program of theatre, film, music and other events and especially educational activities, as the high school is an integral part of the complex.

The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation played an important role during the building of Ulumbarra and the opening of the theatre.

The name means Gather Together or Meeting Place, as the hill on which it stands was a significant meeting place long before a gaol was constructed there.

Next we turn our attention to the city’s culinary offerings. It’s not difficult to find wine bars and restaurants mirroring

RICH TRADITIONS: Ulumbarra Arts Centre in the old gaol.

the Melbourne scene in miniature… but here the emphasis is predictably on locally-sourced food and wine.

We have pitstops at places like Wine Bank, Mr Beebe’s and Rocks on

Rosalind, sampling wines and tasting plates. All very delicious, convivial and relaxing… no city hustling here.

There’s a spirit about these places which makes “tree change” start to

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Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

What’s on Bel’s top tips for things to do

PADDLE THE CLARENCE

TAKE to the water in a canoe or kayak on the Clarence River or one of its scenic tributaries like the Mann or the Nymboida, using the new map kit just published for the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail, or just mess about in your boat on the water.

CLUB IT

LADIES beginners golf workshops are being offered by Coffs Harbour Golf Club every Tuesday morning. The club’s head professional Matt Allan is conducting these friendly group lessons, so try your hand at swinging a club and decide if this popular outdoor activity is one you would like to pursue.

8.30–10am; 10.30am–12pm Tuesdays.

Phone 6652 3266 or coffsharbourgolfclub. com.au.

BRIDGES OLD AND NEW

VISIT The Kirk at Yamba Museum from March 8–25 to see The Bridges: The First Year, an exhibition of artworks by seven regional artists created n response to the projected four new bridges to be built in the Clarence Valley – three over the Clarence River at at Grafton, Harwood and

and others on a Black Dog Ride from Coffs Harbour to Maclean on March 19 to raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention. Donations via www.blackdogride. com.au.

JOURNALIST BELINDA SCOTT

GUMBAYNGGIRR CULTURE

Tabulam and the fourth over Sportsmans Creek at Lawrence. Two of the four older bridges featured are slated for demolition.

ALFRESCO ITALIAN

LUNCH with an Italian flavour and cultural benefits at Grafton’s regional gallery in historic Prentice House. Rosearia Italian Cafe Restaurant offers alfresco lunches in the courtyard 11am–2pm from Tuesday to Saturday and you can enjoy the art on display as well. What a Life! Rock Photography by Tony Mott and Chris Hazell: Cynosure and Disconnections curated by Cinnamon Jarrett will be on show until March 25.

Collection: Portraits will be on show until March 4.

In Focus Photo Competition winners will be announced and the exhibition opened on March 31. Call the Gallery 6642 3177 or Rosearia 6642 4888.

GO THEATRICAL

COFFS Harbour’s Jetty Theatre is hosting a busy program of events this month, with the Kings of Country Rock stage spectacular on March 3; a live streamed discussion on women and the media on March 5; the Flickerfest travelling short film festival on March 10 and 11; touring show Shirley Valentine on March 17 and CHATS Productions Wyrd Sisters

BLACKDOG RIDE: Raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention.

PHOTO: SHANELLE CLARK

from March 16–26. www.jettytheatre.com.

AUTUMN PLANTING

BELLINGEN’S 25th Autumn Plant Fair will be held at Bellingen’s Market Park from 8am–2pm on March 11. More than 70 plant nursery stalls, information stalls, hourly workshops and activities, undercover seating, food, music.

PLUNGE IN

PLUNGE Art and Culture Festival will envelop the Clarence Valley from March 31 to April 30.

Phone 6645 0015.

JOIN THE RELAY

THE Lower Clarence Relay for Life event will be held in Yamba on March 18.

Contact Abby Wallace 0438 688 005.

WOMEN’S BREAKFAST

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day Breakfast on March 8 at C.ex Coffs, keynote speaker Shivani Gopal, founder of The Remarkable Woman.

Seniors News

Hosted by Zonta, BWN and BPW Coffs Coast.

Bookings www.sticky tickets.com.au.

VIOLIN CONCERT

THE winner of the Kendall Violin Concert, Zoe Freisberg, will play a concert in Nambucca hosted by the Nambucca Arts Council on March 25.

PINNED TO THE WALL

AN EXHIBITION by artist Susan O’Doherty, Pinned to the Wall, will open at Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery on March 3, as will Ten Years of EMSLA, a celebration of the first decade of the Eutick Memorial Still Life Award.

Showcasing winners and acquisitions. Both exhibitions will remain on show until April 22.

RACES

HELD at Bowraville Racecourse on March 4, hosted by the Nambucca River Jockey Club; there will be a Top 50 Race Day at Coffs Harbour Racing Club on March 21 and

the Clarence River Jockey Club will hold TAB race days in Grafton on March 7 and 16. Listen to and meet one of the great cricketers of all time, Sir Viv Richards, at Coffs Harbour Racing Club, March 18, 6–9.30pm. Buffet dinner, interview by veteran MC Comic JK, meet and greet, Q&A.

MUTTONBIRDS BY MOONLIGHT

PAY an evening visit to the bustling wedge-tailed shearwater rookery on Coffs Harbour’s Muttonbird Island on March 14 with NPWS Discovery Ranger and Elder Uncle Mark Flanders, who will also explain the island’s cultural importance to the Gumbaynggirr people.

Bookings phone 1300 072 757 or NPWS website.

BLACK DOG RIDE

JOIN Coffs Coast Ulysses Motorcycle Club (motto: grow old disgracefully) president Margaret Fairlie

GHOST WHO WALKS

BUNKER Cartoon Gallery at Coffs Harbour will close its exhibition of Swamp Cartoons by Gary Clark on March 5 to make room for The Phantom Show, a major exhibition featuring 80 years of ‘ the ghost who walks’ interpreted by 30 different artists.

Opening March 10.

Opening night guest Dare Jennings, then on show until May 14. bunker cartoongallery.com.au.

COFFS HARBOUR HARMONY FESTIVAL

CELEBRATE common ground with fellow citizens at the 11th Harmony Festival in the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour from 10am–3pm on March 26.

Cultural performances, world music, special guests, cross-cultural barbecue cook-off; authentic cultural cuisine; global village. Gold coin donation.

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BOOK for a new two-hour cultural experience at the Bruxner Park Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout near Coffs Harbour. Developed by the Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Corporation, the experience combines 360-degree views, song, dance, bush tucker, Dreamtime stories, language learning, artwork and a guided walk, March 11, April 8, May 13. bmnac.org.au.

To find out more about advertising ors Northern NNSW and in Senio s Coffs and Clarence Seniors call media sales consultant Sue Germany 0 880 265 or get in touch at on 1300 Sue.Gerrmany@seniorsnewspaper.com.au

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LATE summer is prime outdoor time on the Coffs Coast and Clarence Valley as the heat and humidity abates but the warmth remains, so open your front door and step out and about.

Seniors 39

40 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

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puzzles

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

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Down 1 What is a young salmon? (5) 2 What, striking on steel, produced an igniting spark in early guns? (5) 3 Which orchestral instrument is tuned an octave above the cello? (5) 4 Which lively 1960s dance shares a name with a Central-African people? (6) 6 What Japanese form of pinball is enjoyed in noisy parlours there? (8) 7 What bag is carried on a soldier’s or hiker’s back?

(8) 12/13 Who won a Bafta in 1990 for her role in the film Dangerous Liaisons? (8,8) 14 What type of creature is a serotine? (3) 15 What is to make an intricate type of looped cotton lace using a hand shuttle? (3) 19 Which Scottish mathematician (John ___) invented logarithms? (6) 21 What is the flat bladelike projection at the end of the arm of an anchor? (5) 22 Reaching a length of 18m or more, what is the world’s largest invertebrate? (5) 23 How many eclipses, lunar and solar, are possible in a single year? (5)

Across 5/8 Who said “Money can’t buy you happiness but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery”?

(5,8) 9 Used in computing, what number system has a base of 8? (5) 10 Using linseed oil, pigments, rosin and pine flour, what did Frederick Walton invent in 1860? (8) 11 What is the capital of Belarus? (5) 14 What drilling tool is held in a brace? (3) 16 Which short-lived republic broke away from Nigeria 1967 to 1970? (6) 17 What is anti-aircraft fire also called? (3-3) 18 What is the abbreviation for trinitrotoluene?

(1,1,1) 20 Formed in 1791, what was the Berlin SingAkademie? (5) 24 In what ornamental needlework are pieces of fabric attached to another? (8) 25 What is a promontory more commonly called?

(5) 26 What is used for sharpening a writing quill? (8) 27 Which Chicago tower was the world’s tallest building from 1973 to 1996? (5)

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ALPHAGRAMS

Insert the missing letters to make ten words — five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions are sequential.

For example, if the fiveletter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution starts with K, and so on.

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Opt 16. Aloft 17. Eye 18. Police states 21. Among 22. Odorous 23. Badlyoff 24. Thus.

Down: 1. Abrasion 2. Recap 4. Yes 5. Consultation 6. Primate 7. Need 8.

Increasingly 12. Arose 13. Persists 15. Twofold 19. Tooth 20. Daub 22.

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z

l

o

u

d

z

t

c

d

b

PREMIER HEARING

ALPHAGRAMS: HATED, IGNORE, JOSTLED, KANGAROO, LIBERATES.

d

QUICK CROSSWORD

w

S E N D S

b

T H R E W

h

A T O N E

c

SUDOKU

5x5

L I C I T

a

GK CROSSWORD

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

TODAY: Good 23 Very Good 31 Excellent 39

D

Across: 5/8 Spike Milligan, 9 Octal, 10 Linoleum, 11 Minsk, 14 Bit, 16 Biafra, 17 Ack-ack, 18 TNT, 20 Choir, 24 Appliqué, 25 Bluff, 26 Penknife, 27 Sears.

Down: 1 Smolt, 2 Flint, 3 Viola, 4 Watusi, 6 Pachinko, 7 Knapsack, 12/13 Michelle Pfeiffer, 14 Bat, 15 Tat, 19 Napier, 21 Fluke, 22 Squid, 23 Seven.

Down 1. Scratch (8) 2. Review (5) 4. Affirmative (3) 5. Conference (12) 6. Ape (7) 7. Require (4) 8. More and more (12) 12. Got up (5) 13. Perseveres (8) 15. Doubly (7) 19. Molar (5) 20. Smear (4) 22. Lout (3)

WORD GO ROUND

C U

DEATH REGION OLD JETS OAK ORGAN BLEARIEST

SOLUTIONS

24

Across 1. Atmosphere (4) 3. Person vital to an operation (8) 9. Retracts (7) 10. Sound (5) 11. Paranormal (12) 14. Choose (3) 16. In the air (5) 17. Look at (3) 18. Totalitarian regimes (6,6) 21. In the midst of (5) 22. Strong-smelling (7) 23. In financial trouble (5-3) 24. As a result (4)

H L

A

WORD GO ROUND

23

411

H

acid acidly acrid acridly arid aridly auld card cardy chad chard child clad crud curd curdy daily dairy dial diarchy diary dray drily dual ducal duchy duly dural hard hardily hardly hardy hydra HYDRAULIC hydric idly idyl lady laid laird lard lardy laud lucid lurid raid yard

21

A R

S

Note: more than one solution may be possible.

20

I Y

A I

12 13

4/2

5x5

F 11

Seniors 41

F L A P S

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

Coffs and Clarence

Find the red words in the question in the word finder

If you answered

SOMETIMES or OFTEN To any of the questions

WE CAN HELP!!

REGuLAR CLINICS

urunga, Macksville, Nambucca & Woolgoolga

1. I feel discomfort or embarrassment when meeting new people because of my hearing ❍ Never ❍ Sometimes ❍ Often 2. I find that following conversations in a noisy environment, such as a busy restaurant, can be very difficult ❍ Never ❍ Sometimes ❍ Often 3. People seem to mumble more these days when they talk, and I find myself asking them to repeat themselves more often than I used to ❍ Never ❍ Sometimes ❍ Often 4. Others comment that I have the radio or television turned up too loud for their liking ❍ Never ❍ Sometimes ❍ Often 5. If I did not see the source of a sound, I find it hard to know what direction it came from ❍ Never ❍ Sometimes ❍ Often 6. Family members have commented that they think that I may have a hearing problem and they become frustrated when I’ve not fully heard what they have said ❍ Never ❍ Sometimes ❍ Often 7. Following conversations on the telephone is difficult, particularly with children ❍ Never ❍ Sometimes ❍ Often 8. Sometimes I experience a persistent or prolonged ‘ringing in my ears’ (known as tinnitus) ❍ Never ❍ Sometimes ❍ Often

6527147ab

63 Grafton Street Coffs Harbour 02 6651 1227

42 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

Live and let’s save

Love don’t cost a thing...

Valentine’s Day is just one day, but it makes February the month of love. Perhaps this is the month you add the extra onto ordinary and do the little things that can make such a difference to an everyday relationship all year long. Indeed, we can all keep the fire burning in our relationship without using a “Day” as the main reason to indulge, so if you would like to show your appreciation for your one and only, here are some less expensive and more personal ideas for any day of the year.

BE THRIFTY AND THRIVE NICKY NORMAN ★DANCE CLASS THERE are local classes available to learn how to salsa, samba or tango to name a few.

Ignite some passion and fun and reconnect with your partner, this could be a new experience.

Some restaurants have free learn to dance classes available too.

★LOVE PACK MAKE a list of some of your partner’s favourite things and put together a love pack that not only shows that you know what they like but you know that they will appreciate and use the items.

Some suggestions can be pamper products, alcohol, favourite cheeses and sweets. ★TAKE A DRIVE GRAB a picnic basket filled with goodies and a blanket or fold-up chairs and drive to a special location.

Switch off from the

world and wine and dine at a local park or scenic lookout and enjoy your day together. ★COOKING CLASS LOOK at what cooking schools or restaurants have to offer in your area and cook a meal together.

This then gives you the opportunity to sit back and appreciate your creation and each other, over a drink and a chat. ★GET ACTIVE It’s important to stay healthy and exercise, so do it together. Go for an early morning ride, swim or take a walk at sunset.

The way to bake a Persian Love Cake Servings 16 people, prep time 15 minutes, cook 60 minutes.

Ingredients 3 cups almond meal, blanched; 1/2 cup desiccated coconut; 1 & 1/2 cups coconut sugar; 1/2 cup (120g) butter, softened; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup sheep’s

milk yogurt; 4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped; 1 cup creme fraiche, thick cream or yogurt for serving.

Instructions You will need a 23-25cm springform cake tin for this recipe.

Preheat oven to 160C (fan-forced), butter a 23-25cm springform cake tin and line the base and sides with baking paper, in a large bowl combine the almond meal, desiccated coconut, coconut sugar, butter and salt and mix until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spoon half

of the mixture into the cake tin and gently press it evenly over the base.

Add the eggs, yogurt and spices to the almond mixture and beat until well combined. Pour over the base and smooth the top. Bake the cake for 60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Add cream/yogurt to serve.

Creating with love THE ABILITY to cook is a lovable trait in a person, whether it’s home-made pasta or just making a really yummy piece of cheese on toast.

There is quite simply no restaurant in the world that will light you up in the eyes of a significant other in the same way as a meal you’ve prepared yourself.

With this in mind, I have put together a few ideas for a fail-safe homespun romantic meal!

The “home made is always better” rule applies to most things in our romantic lives.

I have designed a menu that will be truly special and simple with minimal time in the kitchen.

The first thing to do is set the mood.

Buy some nice wine or special drink, nip out into the garden and pick some fresh flowers or foliage, light the candles and turn on some soft music.

HOME COOKING CHRISTINE PERKIN Now get out your best glassware and crockery and set the table.

You’re ready.

Simple Prawn Cocktails are easy and can be made ahead of time. I like to use a glass for serving this dish or you can use a small bowl.

Oven-baked Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is easy as it can cook while you’re having your entrée, just ensure all your preparation is done beforehand.

If you have room for dessert, Toblerone Mousse is such an easy way to impress, always a delight and not too heavy.

Finish with a good coffee and some beautiful

SILKY SMOOTH: Delicious Toblerone mousse.

home-made chocolates.

PRAWN COCKTAILS

■ 12 fresh cooked prawns ■ Iceberg lettuce ■ 1 mango sliced – optional ■ 1 avocado sliced – optional ■ Lemon juice Cocktail sauce Make your own with 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.

Just mix ingredients

together and taste then adjust accordingly.

Slice lettuce and place in serving dish add prawns, layer mango and avocado and squeeze lemon juice over salad then drizzle with dressing and serve.

OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM RISOTTO

■ 50g unsalted butter ■ 1 large onion, finely

LOVE: Show it with a little extra care and attention.

chopped ■ 500g chicken mince ■ 2 cups (440g) arborio rice ■ 1 cup white wine ■ 1L liquid chicken stock ■ 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan, plus extra to serve ■ 100g sliced mushrooms ■ Few sprigs of thyme ■ 3 slices chopped bacon ■ 1 cup rocket leaves ■ Olive oil, to drizzle ■ Salt and pepper to season Step 1 Preheat oven to 170°C and place a five-litre ovenproof dish in to heat.

Step 2 Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.

Add bacon, brown then add chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Add mushrooms and cook until starts to colour, then add the rice and cook, stirring for one minute.

Add wine and stock and bring to boil, then add thyme. Pour everything into the preheated dish.

Cover tightly with a lid or foil and place in the oven for 15 minutes.

Remove and give everything a good stir,

then cover again and return to the oven for a further 15 minutes.

By this time all liquid should have been absorbed. If not, return to the oven uncovered for a further five minutes.

Step 3 Remove and add parmesan, rocket and basil, and season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with extra parmesan and drizzle with olive oil.

TOBLERONE MOUSSE

■ 2 x 110g Toblerone chocolate (or milk chocolate if you prefer) melted ■ 2 cups of beaten cream ■ 2 eggs separated Melt chocolate, cool slightly, add egg yolks one at a time and mix, then add cream.

Beat egg whites until stiff then fold though chocolate mix.

Grab a piping bag or plastic bag and cut corner off so you can pipe into glasses.

Chill overnight.

Garnish with a raspberry or flaked chocolate.

Coffs and Clarence

Monday, February 27, 2017 seniorsnews.com.au

Seniors 43

Community HOW TO SUBMIT NOTICES HELLO readers, would you like to promote your club or group and let your community know what’s going on with your members for free. You can also submit a photo but please ensure the quality is at least 180dpi and of peoples faces and nice and bright. Club Notices deadline for the next issue is March 18. Send your notices and enquiries to Nicky or Chris via email communitynotes@ seniorsnewspaper. com.au. We look forward to hearing from you.

TALOUMBI GARDENS RECENTLY Taloumbi Gardens celebrated Valentine’s Day with John Cornell, who is a fantastic performer. Residents enjoyed a lovely three-course meal, raffles and lucky door prizes.

Marie Finch and Naomi James were caught dancing with the bear that Marie won in the raffle.

GO GIRLS

A MATURE girlfriends group – providing friendship, support, social activities, and inspiration.

Meetings at 10.30am on the third Sunday of every month in C.ex Coffs Harbour Vista Lounge.

April meeting to be held on April 23, due to Easter falling on the third Sunday.

For details: phone 0429 062 205.

KORORA VIEW CLUB

MEETS on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 11am at CEX for meeting, lunch and interesting Guest speakers. Make new friends and help Learning for Life students, supporting the Smith Family. For information and bookings: phone 6653 7078.

THE VOICE OF IRELAND

JLE, in association with the Harbour Agency International, is proud to announce international Irish folk artist Tommy Fleming is coming to Coffs Harbour and will perform a one-off concert at the LifeHouse Church on May 10. Tommy Fleming is known as "the voice of Ireland". This will be part of his 2017 Australian tour. Trybooking.com or phone 6652 8266.

DANCE PARTNER: Taloumbi Gardens residents Marie Finch and Naomi James were caught dancing with the bear that Marie won.

Speaking two or more languages good for brain HOLA, aloha, bonjour, ciao.

Using more than two languages throughout your life will help delay the onset of ageing and dementia. Unfortunately, this advice applies to those people have used a second language throughout their life.

Linguist Dr Ana Ines Ansaldo, of the University of Montreal’s school of audiology and speech-language pathology, has found years of bilingualism changes how the brain carries out tasks that require concentrating on one piece of information without becoming distracted by other information.

This makes the brain more efficient and economical with its resources. To arrive at this finding, they asked two groups of seniors; one of monolinguals and one of bilinguals, to

focus the colour of an object while ignoring the position of the object.

The researchers noticed that the monolingual brain uses a number of regions to do a task.

However, for bilinguals, Dr Ansaldo said, "After years of daily practice managing interference between two languages, bilinguals become

experts at selecting relevant information and ignoring information that can distract from a task," Bilinguals also achieve the same result by not using the brain’s frontal regions, which are vulnerable to ageing.

Study was published in the Journal of Neurolinguistics.

Examination of elder abuse laws PUBLIC opinion can make a difference in the drafting of new laws that go right to the heart of elder abuse in Australia, but only if they act now.

The Australian Law Reform Commission is encouraging public comments on its Elder Abuse Enquiry second discussion paper with submissions closing on February 27, 2017.

This paper considers Commonwealth laws and frameworks which seek to safeguard and protect older persons from misuse or abuse by formal and informal carers, supporters, representatives, and examines the interaction and relationship of these laws with state and territory laws.

Forty-three proposals for law reform are listed in the discussion paper ranging from powers of investigation, to responsibilities of banks and superannuation funds, family arrangements, wills, social security, aged

care and establishing a national online register of people who hold enduring documents, court and tribunal orders for the appointment of guardians and financial administrators.

The timing of this discussion is particularly important to Legal Aid Commission (ACT) which identified in its recently released 2015/16 annual report that; “…the Commission is seeing increasing numbers of people in relation to allegations of elder abuse – ranging from physical, to emotional and financial.

This is consistent with national trends.”

The Commission’s chief executive officer Dr John Boersig said the issues around elder abuse were becoming more visible.

“We believe this has been an invisible problem for a long time,” Dr Boersig said.

“Now it is particularly timely to have a good look at these issues and

what protections are required.”

He considers it important there is a visible and active dialogue around this issue.

“What we are concerned about is that elder abuse has been swept under the carpet; it’s been invisible for way too long.”

Dr Boersig expects it may not be until the end of next year that tangible legislative changes can be made due to the process of assessing the public comments and preparing a report for government review.

Dr Boersig recommends anyone concerned about elder abuse should contact the Legal Aid Commission or their local community legal centre.

Visit alrc.gov.au/ content/elder-abusedp83.

Written submissions can be lodged by mail and oral submissions on (02) 8238 6366.

44 Seniors Coffs and Clarence

seniorsnews.com.au Monday, February 27, 2017

LIFT BED SALE NOW ON Ultra Flex lift bed:

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• Affordable luxury bedding • Better nights rest through elevated head and foot

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speed massage unit • Stylish modern living design • Wireless remote control • 10yr guarantee on gel infused memory foam mattress

Bed Size; King Single RRP $2399 Sale Price $1799 Queen RRP $2599 Sale Price $1999

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• Fully upholstered bed frame • Ideal for reading or watching tv in bed

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Some health benefits of an Avante lift bed may include help with breathing, blood pressure and relieve swelling of lower legs.

Each motor supports up to 250kg and Avante offer a 5 year guarantee on the base and motors and 2 years on the electrics.

17.

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Mention this ad to receive Free local delivery and free installation

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72-78 Prince Street, Grafton, NSW 2460. Ph (02) 6643 1911 Email: grafton@macleodsfurniture.com.au

6492970ab

Beds R Us Coffs Harbour,